Elderly Abuse
ELDERLY ABUSE

Elders have the right not to be yelled at or threatened.  They have the right to
control their finances and property.  

Although surveys show that elderly persons are far less victims of crime than
young people, so many elderly people shut themselves up in their homes behind
locked doors.

They are far more vulnerable to purse snatching, mugging and fraud.  But you
can reduce the opportunity for criminals to strike the elderly by being a careful,
alert and good neighbor.

SIGNS OF ABUSE

Physical signs may include cuts, puncture wounds, burns, bruises, welts,
dehydration or malnutrition, poor coloration, sunken eyes or cheeks, soiled
clothing or bed, lack of necessities such as food, water and utilities.

SIGNS OF BEHAVIORAL ABUSE

Behavioral signs may include fear, anxiety, agitation, anger, isolation, withdrawal,
depression, non-responsiveness, resignation, ambivalence, contradictory
statements, implausible stories, hesitation to talk openly, confusion or
disorientation.

FINANCIAL OR MATERIAL EXPLOITATION

Improper use of an elder's funds, property or assets, check cashing without
permission, forging signatures, coercing or deceiving an older person into signing
a document or using an ATM/debit card without permission.

1..Use a POD account rather than the regular joint tenancy. POD means paid on
death which allows the beneficiary to receive funds but only upon death. It should
stop the draining of the account while the benefactor is still alive
2.  Directly deposit social security checks. But remember, if the account is jointly
held with the abuser, the financial abuse may continue.
3.  Consider bill paying services. They will control the money outflows.
4.  Appoint a representative payee to receive, sign and cash check s for federal
benefits.



Report Elderly Abuse to your local authorities.
ELDERLY ABUSE
Types
of Elder
And
Adult
Abuse

Neglect
28%
Financial
25 %
Mental
Suffering
23 %
Physical
21 %
Abandon-
ment       
   2 %
Sexual   
   1 %