Recognizing Abuse of Older Persons

Watch for:

• unexplained injuries such as burns, fractures and bruises, or
• poor hygiene and/or grooming
• someone who seems depressed, anxious, and afraid, who may refuse to talk or answer questions
• someone who is rarely outside the house or at church/community functions
• not allowed to speak on their own behalf
• dehydration or lack of food (thin, listless, pale, tired)
• unpaid bills or an unexplained loss of money/valuables
• someone who resists medical treatment