The actions may appear quite innocent at first. An unpaid bill. A senior citizens/older person’s purchase of an item they don’t need. An explanation such as “she fell” and “he ran his wheelchair into it.” Senior Elder abuse is defined by the World Health Organization as “any single, repeated, or inadequate action which causes distress or harm to an older person” and can be either men or women. While some people don’t know or are unable to recognize that their elderly loved one needs better care, others deliberately put them in danger.

Senior abuse is often not reported. Elderly people may be less able or hesitant to report it. An elder might be exploited in the following ways:

1. Neglect -failure or inability to provide food, shelter, and medical care, or protection.
2. Abandonment –desertion by a person charged with care or custody.
3. Financial Abuse – Illegal theft, misuse, or concealment of elders’ money, property, or assets.
4. Physical Abuse – Infliction or injury to the body (e.g., bruising and slapping), restraint, etc. ).
5. Sexual Abuse – Any kind of non-consensual sexual contact.
6. Emotional Abuse – Verbal or nonverbal actions or threats that cause pain or distress, humiliation or intimidation.

It is wrong to neglect or abuse an elderly person. This is why Right at Home professionals in-home care provide supervision and training. Caregivers who are observant and knowledgeable can detect any problems in the home that could put an elder at risk. Senior care workers have seen cases of verbal abuse and helped to change numbers for elderly victims of scammers by calling them and some have made several reports to police and Adult Protective Services regarding elder abuse.

Although abuse of an older senior citizen nearby Columbus might not always be apparent, these warning signs could help you to spot a bigger problem.

1. Unexpected withdrawal from regular activities
2. Changes in mood, lingering depression.
3. Broken bones, abrasions, bruises and pressure marks.
4. Signs of restraint include rope marks on wrists.
5. Unusual bank account withdrawals and transfers
6. Signatures not familiar on documents and checks, as well as changes in banking, wills, or attorneys.
7. Personal care and hygiene.
8. Poor nutrition or weight gain/loss
9. Broken eyeglasses..
10. Tension in relationships and stress, or an increase of arguments.
11. Controlling, belittling, and threatening behavior by spouses or caregivers.

Maltreatment warning signs can be a sign of a senior’s declining health. However, any changes in behavior or health should not be dismissed immediately.