How to spot elderly abuse

How to spot elderly abuse

Whether your relativesย are supported in their home by paid carers, friends or other family members, or living in a residential care setting,ย they must feel safe. Caring is a matter of trust. Nobody wants to believe that anyone is capable of elderly abuse. Most of us like to think the best of everyone, unfortunately, this is not always the case and occasionally this trust is breached.

What constitutesย elderlyย abuse?

Action is needed if you suspect any of the following:

  • physical abuse โ€“ hitting, pushing, inappropriate restraint, misuse of medication
  • emotional abuse โ€“ threats, insults, humiliation, lack of human contact
  • sexual abuse โ€“ any unwanted sexual contact
  • financial abuse โ€“ theft, coercion, fraud
  • neglect โ€“ for example, not ensuring your parent is warm, clean, hydrated and nourished
  • discrimination โ€“ poor treatment based on racism, sexism or exploiting a disabilitywhatconstitueselderlyabuse

How to spot elderly abuse

Itโ€™s not always easy to spot the symptoms of abuse โ€“ especially if you donโ€™t have regular contact with the person.ย  Even if you do see or talk to them regularly, they may not recognise what is happening, or be reluctant to talk about it from a fear that it would โ€˜make things worseโ€™.ย  Some of the tell-tale signs to look out for in them are:

  • being aggressive or angry for no obvious reason
  • looking unkempt, dirty or thinner than usual
  • sudden changes in their normal character, such as appearing helpless, depressed, tearful or quiet and withdrawn
  • physical signs of abuse, such as bruises, wounds, fractures and other untreated injuries
  • the same injuries happening more than once
  • not wanting to be left on their own orย aloneย with particular people.whattodoifyoususpectelderlyabuse

Other things you may notice:

  • their home lacking heat, being unusually dirty or untidy
  • things missing
  • a change in their finances, not having as muchย money as usualย to pay for shopping or regular outings, or getting into debt. Watch out for any official or financial documents that seemย unusual and for documents relating to their finances that suddenly go missing.

What to do if you suspect elderly abuse

Abuse is a big word, you may try to convince yourself you need solid evidence before taking any action.ย  Certainly,ย if you are able to talk without fuss and ask if there is anything that is making them feel uncomfortable, that may tell you all you need to know.

Unless their health and safetyย isย at immediate risk, resist the temptation to rush in and take charge straight away.ย  They may need to feel they can regain some control so tell them youโ€™re able to get help and ask them what theyโ€™d like you to do.

However, if they canโ€™t or wonโ€™t talk to you then itโ€™s really important not to ignore that little voice of unease within you.ย  This really is a case of it being better to be safe than sorry and no-one will think less of you for getting it wrong. You might want to start by talking about your concerns to a charity such asย AgeUKย whichย has lots of experience to guide and support you.

howtoreportabuse

How to report abuse

The Care Act of 2014 requires local councils to give clear, free advice on how to raise concerns. Youโ€™ll find information about reporting abuse on the Norfolk County Council website HERE.ย Even if the abuse is not being carried out by paid carers licenced by the council they will have social workers who deal specifically with abuse cases.

Other options include contacting theย GP, orย other medical professionalsย who have regular contact with your parent.

Bear in mind that some types of abuse โ€“ including assault and theft โ€“ are criminal offences that can also be reported to the police. You may not relish the prospect of a criminal investigation but itโ€™s unlikely your relative is the only one being abused and taking action will also help others.

For legal advice visit our Legal Matters page for details of our expert advisors Ashtons Legal.