What Are Common Forms of Elder Abuse?

The elderly are among the most vulnerable and sometimes weakest groups in our communities. So when you learn that your loved one has been abused by an elder care facility, it’s only right to want justice for them. 

To fully help our loved ones it’s important to understand how elder abuse happens, some of the common signs of abuse and when to call a Charlotte personal injury lawyer.

Psychological Abuse

This refers to any treatment that causes mental and emotional anguish to an elderly person. It is the most common type of abuse reported among the older generation and the hardest to prove.

Some of the ways psychological abuse can occur include: 

• Isolation from friends and family 
• Humiliation 
• Threats
• Intimidation 
• Neglect, deprivation, and abandonment.

An elderly person facing this type of abuse may withdraw from activities they normally enjoy, show increased anxiety, or have unexplained behavioral changes.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse occurs when a caregiver intentionally inflicts physical pain on an older person through actions like:

• Shoving 
• Hitting
• Slapping 
• Burning
• Kicking

The effects of physical abuse can escalate to mental health problems such as anxiety. Signs that may indicate this type of abuse include unexplained sores and bruises, sudden weight loss, poor hygiene, among others.

Financial Abuse

The elderly are at the highest risk of financial exploitation and scams by both trusted caregivers and strangers. Examples of financial abuse include:

• A caregiver or family member cashes a check without the elderly person’s permission.
• Deceiving them into signing a financial document.
• Forging a signature.
• Investment fraud

You can easily notice this type of abuse if large amounts of money or possessions begin to miss without an explanation. 

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse among the elderly refers to unwanted, non-consented, or forced sexually related activities. This affects the victim’s both physical and mental health. 

Elderly sexual abuse may include:

• Inappropriate touching and fondling
• Unwanted sexual contact or with a person who is too old to comprehend.
• Forced nudity
• Showing pornographic and other sexually explicit material

Some of the signs to prove this type of abuse are torn or blood-stained clothes and bruises around the genital area. 

Speak with an Elder Abuse Lawyer

Has your loved one experienced abuse in the hands of those tasked with their daily care? An elder abuse lawyer can help you find justice for them by pursuing financial remedies for their suffering.

Contact the Nye Law Group elder abuse lawyers on 704-285-6319 or fill our online form below to get a free case consultation.