There are lots of different scenarios of elder abuse—some intentional and some not intentional. For example, many family caregivers are pulled in different directions for their time and attention, and with only so much time in the day, unintentional neglect of the senior may occur. However, some intentional perpetrators of elder abuse may have been abused themselves, thus creating a cycle of abuse. Preventing elder abuse means doing three things on an ongoing basis: actively listening to seniors and their caregivers, intervening when there is suspicion of elder abuse, and educating others about how to recognize and report elder abuse.

Recognizing the following warning signs can help detect abuse and allow early intervention and prevention of further abuse.

Physical abuse

• Unexplained signs of injury such as bruises, welts, or scars
• Broken bones, sprains, or dislocations
• Signs of being restrained, such as rope marks on wrists
• Caregiver's refusal to allow the elder to be seen alone

Sexual abuse

• Bruises around breasts or genitals
• Unexplained venereal disease or genital infections
• Unexplained vaginal or anal bleeding
• Torn, stained, or bloody underclothing

Neglect by caregivers or self-neglect

• Unusual weight loss, malnutrition, dehydration
• Untreated physical problems, such as bed sores
• Unsanitary living conditions: dirt, bugs, soiled bedding and clothes

Financial exploitation

• Significant withdrawals from the elder's accounts
• Sudden changes in the elder's financial condition
• Suspicious changes in wills, power of attorney, titles, and policies
• Unpaid bills or lack of medical care (although the elder has enough money to pay for them)
• Financial activity the senior couldn’t have done (ATM withdrawal when the account holder is bedridden)

Freedom Home Care has trained professional and dependable caregivers who can provide much needed respite to an overtaxed caregiver and help prevent abuse. For more information on personalized eldercare in the comfort of home, contact Freedom Home Care in Dothan, Alabama at 334-803-8078 or Opelika, Alabama at 334-745-7308. Freedom Home Care also has offices in Columbus, Georgia and Montgomery, Alabama.