It can be hard to tell if an older person is being abused or neglected, but there are some signs to look out for. First, it’s important to know that abuse comes in many forms - physical, emotional, sexual, financial and neglect. While there are signs, they are not necessarily proof of abuse, however they may signal that there is a problem.

Abused seniors are typically unable to report the abuse and can remain isolated for long periods of time. If you do suspect elder abuse (even if you are not sure), it is important to file a report with Adult Protective Services online or in person at Tucson Police Department. 

Physical abuse is the intentional infliction of physical pain or injury, injury caused by negligence or unlawful imprisonment or use of restraints.

Warning signs can include:

·         Unexplained bruises, welts or cuts

·         Fractures in different stages of healing

·         Cigar or cigarette burns

·         Rope burns

·         Pain from touching

·         Dehydration or malnutrition

·         Soiled clothing or bed,

·         Fear, hesitation to talk openly

·         Confusion, non-responsiveness

·         Lack of personal items

·         Sunken eyes or cheeks

Sexual abuse is non-consensual sexual contact of any kind with an older adult.

Signs of abuse can include:

·         Unexplained genital infections or sexually transmitted diseases

·         Torn or bloody undergarments

·         Trouble sitting or walking

·         Anxiety and fear of touching

Emotional abuse is the infliction of mental pain or anguish through name calling, controlling behavior, threatening, isolating and ignoring.

Signs of abuse can include:

·         Fear of speaking for oneself in front of a caretaker

·         Anxious to please

·         Eating disorders

·         Depression, withdrawal

·         Anger

·         Low self-esteem

·         Lack of eye contact

Financial abuse is the illegal use of an older adult’s resources for another person’s profit or advantage.

Signs of abuse include:

·         Being accompanied to the bank with someone encouraging them to take out large sums of money

·         Unusual banking activity

·         Older adult is not allowed to speak for themselves

·         No explanation about what they are doing with the money

·         Isolation from others

·         Numerous unpaid bills

·         Frequent expensive gifts to caregiver

·         Frequent checks made out to ‘cash’

·         Caregiver’s refusal to spend money on older adult and signatures on checks that do not resemble the older adult’s

Neglect is a pattern of conduct that results in deprivation of food, water, medication, medical services, shelter, cooling, heating and other necessary services to maintain physical and mental health.

Signs of neglect include:

·         Bedsores

·         Body odor

·         Improper clothing for the weather

·         Fleas or lice

·         Malnourished and dehydrated

·         Little or no food available

·         Soiled bedding

·         Unsafe living conditions

·         Improper use of medication

·         Unresponsiveness and helplessness

If you suspect an older adult is being abused or neglected, do not wait, contact Adult Protective Services or your local police department today. Your call could save a life. Elder abuse thrives in silence. Together, we can protect older adults in our community.