Red Flags of Elder Abuse

• Physical abuse
• Emotional/psychological abuse
• Financial exploitation
• Neglect and abandonment
• Sexual abuse

Warning signs of physical abuse

• Bruises, black eyes, welts, lacerations, or rope marks
• Bone fractures, broken bones, or skull fractures
• Open wounds, cuts, punctures, untreated injuries in various stages of healing
• Sprains, dislocations, or internal injuries/bleeding
• Broken eyeglasses/frames, physical signs of being subjected to punishment, or signs of being restrained
• Laboratory findings of medication overdose or under-utilization of prescribed drugs
• An older adult’s sudden change in behavior
• The caregiver's refusal to allow visitors to see or speak to an older adult alone
• An older adult’s report of being hit, slapped, kicked, or mistreated

Warning signs of emotional/psychological abuse

• Being emotionally upset or agitated
• Being extremely withdrawn, non-communicative, or non-responsive
• Unusual behavior, such as sucking, biting, rocking
• Witnessing a caregiver controlling or isolating an older adult
• Exhibiting a change in sleeping patterns or eating habits
• Personality changes, such as apologizing excessively
• Depression or anxiety
• An older adult’s report of being verbally or emotionally mistreated

Warning signs of financial exploitation

• Sudden changes in bank accounts or banking practices, including an unexplained withdrawal of large sums of money by a person accompanying the older adult
• The inclusion of additional names on an older adult’s bank signature card
• Unauthorized withdrawal of the older adult’s funds using their ATM card
• Abrupt changes in a will or other financial documents
• Unexplained disappearance of funds or valuable possessions
• Provision of substandard care or bills left unpaid despite the availability of adequate financial resources
• Discovery of a forged signature for financial transactions or for the titles of the older adult’s possessions
• Sudden appearance of previously uninvolved relatives claiming their rights to an older adult’s property or possessions
• Unexplained sudden transfer of assets to a family member or someone outside the family
• The provision of services that are not necessary
• An older adult’s report of financial exploitation
• Unexplained credit card charges

Warning signs of neglect and abandonment

• Dehydration, malnutrition, untreated bed sores, and poor personal hygiene
• Unattended or untreated health problems
• Hazardous or unsafe living conditions/arrangements (e.g., improper wiring, no heat, or no running water)
• Unsanitary and unclean living condition (e.g., dirt, fleas, lice on person, soiled bedding, fecal/urine smell, inadequate clothing)
• The desertion of an older adult at a hospital, a nursing facility, or other similar institution, or a shopping center or other public location
• An older adult’s report of being neglected or abandoned
• Lack of food in the refrigerator or cupboards

Warning signs of sexual abuse

• Bruises around the breasts or genital area
• Unexplained venereal disease or genital infections
• Unexplained vaginal or anal bleeding
• Changes in an older adult’s demeanor, such as showing fear or becoming withdrawn when a specific person is around
• Evidence of pornographic material being shown to an older adult with diminished capacity
• Blood found on sheets, linens or an older adult’s clothing
• An older adult’s report of being sexually assaulted or raped