Elder abuse is unacceptable in society, whether physical, emotional, or any other form of abuse. When seniors grow old, they tend to depend on friends, family members, or caregivers for support. They may need someone to help them prepare meals or run errands. Unfortunately, some elders have ended up getting mistreated by others.
Know the different types of elder abuse signs to look out for by reading up on them here: Click To TweetWhat are the different types of elder abuse to look out for?
What comes to your mind when you hear the term “elder abuse?” Most people will think of it as physical abuse, yet it’s not the only type of senior abuse. There are many ways people can cause harm to older adults. Here are some of them.
- Physical Abuse
- Emotional Abuse
- Sexual Abuse
- Financial Abuse
- Neglect
- Abandonment
1) Physical Abuse
Any bodily harm that causes physical pain is a form of physical abuse. Check if your loved one has sprains, bumps, bruises, broken bones, or any other physical condition that seems unusual. Pay attention to the sudden changes in behaviors.
2) Emotional Abuse
Some of the things that can cause emotional abuse in older adults include bullying, threats, and forced isolation. Verbally manipulating seniors can cause them to question their sanity. Telling older adults harmful words can also make them feel low.
3) Sexual Abuse
Like others, elders are also vulnerable to sexual abuse, which involves inappropriate touching, nonconsensual sexual actions, or getting forced to watch explicit materials. Older adults may shy away from physical contact..
4) Financial Abuse
Most seniors may not manage their money by themselves and may have to assign someone to do so. However, they can get financially exploited by people who mismanage their money, such as using their credit cards without permission.
5) Neglect
When one fails to meet a senior’s needs intentionally, it would be considered neglect. Such cases may include withholding water, food, medicine, or essential healthcare needs. Neglected seniors may look dirty, malnourished, messy, or unhealthy.
6) Abandonment
Another type of elder abuse is social isolation or abandonment. It occurs when seniors stay alone without someone planning for their care. Older adults may not take care of themselves effectively, calling for senior care.
What To Do If You Suspect Elder Abuse
When you see the signs of elder abuse, you should opt for adult protective services to get immediate help. When the senior has health problems, you can consult their doctors for additional support. Check the seniors’ quality of life and how others treat them.
Contact us today to get help for your aging loved ones.
