Abuse and neglect do not happen in every nursing, assisted living, or long-term care facility.  Most provide quality care. 

But even ONE CASE IS ONE TOO MANY!

Who are the Abusers?

An abuser can be a caregiver, health-care worker, facility employee, visitor, or family member.

What to watch for:

Signs of elder abuse can range from serious physical injuries to less noticeable signs of neglect.  If you notice a number of these signs, it could indicate that an elderly person is being abused. 

Remember, however, that medications, medical conditions, or simply the process of aging can cause some of these signs.

• Obvious malnutrition, dehydration, and weight loss; dirty, uncombed hair and offensive body odor; inadequate clothing; lack of medications; too much medication causing excessive sleepiness; missing glasses, dentures, or hearing aids; missing walker, wheelchair, or other items or services that could give the person more independence. 
• Broken bones, welts, cuts, punctures, and burns, especially if they occur in unusual or unexpected places and the explanations of the injuries dont seem realistic.  Frequent bruising, especially on the upper arms or thighs (from holding or shaking), and bruises that appear to be centered in a particular area from repeated hitting or are similar in shape to an object.
• Torn, stained, or bloody underclothing; difficulty in walking or sitting; pain, itching, bruising, or bleeding in the genital area; loss of bowel and bladder control; fear of a particular person or place, such as the bathroom.
• Sudden dramatic changes in behavior: appears withdrawn, depressed, hesitant to talk openly; fearful, hopeless, anxious; angry or agitated; confused, disoriented; trembling, clinging; lack of eye contact.
• Unusual activity in bank account; sudden large withdrawals, expenditures not consistent with past financial history; rights signed away on legal papers; use of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) when the person cannot walk or get to an ATM; unfamiliar signatures on checks.

What to do:

If you think you see signs of abuse or neglect, report it as soon as you can to the facility administrator or other key staff and then call the:
* Cabinet for Health and Family Service Abuse Hotline 1-800-752-6200