16/06/2017
Learn to recognize the following signs of neglect and abuse.
Neglect
§ Obvious malnutrition, dehydration
§ Dirty and uncombed hair; dirty and torn or climate-inappropriate clothes; or
offensive body odor
§ Hoarding
§ Lack of glasses, dentures or hearing aid, or lack of medical care
§ Bedsores
§ Recent suffering or loss of spouse, family members or close friends
Physical Abuse
§ Frequent injuries such as bruises, burns, broken bones; explanation of the injury
seems unrealistic
§ Multiple bruises in various stages of healing, particularly bruises on inner arms
or thighs
§ Experiences pain when touched
§ Loss of bowel and bladder control
§ Never leaves the house or allows visitors
§ Never mentions family or friends
Sexual Abuse
§ Evidence of sexually transmitted disease
§ Irritation or injuries to the mouth, ge****ls or a**s
§ Upset when changed or bathed
§ Fearful of a particular person
§ Loss of bowel and bladder control
Emotional/Psychological Abuse
§ Isolated from family and friends
§ Sudden dramatic change in behavior, appearing withdrawn, depressed, hesitant to
talk openly
§ Caregiver won't let victim speak for herself or himself
§ Caregiver scolds, insults, threatens victim
§ Trembling, clinging
Financial Abuse
§ Unusual activity in bank account; sudden large withdrawals, expenditures that are
not consistent with past financial history
§ Use of automated teller machines (ATM) when the person has no history of using
ATMs or cannot walk
§ A recent will, when the person seems incapable of writing a will
§ Rights signed away on legal papers without understanding what the papers mean
§ Unpaid bills, such as house payment, rent, taxes or utilities