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Elder abuse manifests itself in very many different forms, and most times, they are hard to spot if you are not on the look-out for them. These are some of the most common signs.

1. Signs of physical abuse
- Bruising
- Broken bones
- Cuts
- Scrapes
- Restraint marks on arms and legs
- Unexpected reactions to medications

Elder abuse symptoms are hard to notice and often are overlooked by friends and loved ones. Often times, the elder being abused does not realize they are subjected to abuse or are too ashamed or afraid to reach out for help. This is why being informed of the signs of elder abuse are is important.
Often times, victims of elder abuse are afraid of their abusers and will lie about what caused their injuries, often blaming themselves. It is important to be extra critical of the stories they tell you, as these are frequently not what is really going on. This is especially important when there are repeated instances of injuries and/or instances where elder abuse may be suspected.

Most commonly, elders will create stories about their injuries, claiming that they were clumsy and fell or weren't paying attention and cut themselves. While these stories seem legitimate and reasonable, often times they hide a bigger problem - that the elder is a victim of abuse by another person or persons.

If you think someone may be a victim of elder abuse and they give you a story that does not add up, make sure to ask them questions about their injury and determine whether or not the person is telling you the truth. If after considering their story you think they are a victim of elder abuse, call local law enforcement immediately. When you have made attempts to stop the abuse, you should contact a qualified attorney to see if you have a case against the suspected abuser(s).

2. Signs of Emotional Abuse
- Rocking
- Sucking
- Mumbling
- Forgetfulness

Emotional elder abuse is a very hard to pinpoint and typically, people need to have solid physical evidence that it is occurring. Some people have installed hidden cameras in the elder's home or room to catch the abusers in action while others simply witness the abuse in front of their eyes.

While the signs of emotional abuse are fleeting and not concrete proof of actual abuse, if you suspect emotional abuse, it is best to talk to an attorney and find out the best way to proceed. They can help you create a plan to stop the abuse, which may include contacting law enforcement and even legal action against the abusers. Most times, attorneys will offer you this advice for free.

3. Signs of Sexual Abuse
- Bruises around genitals and breasts
- Unexplained contraction of venereal disease
- Torn undergarments and under-clothing
- Unexplained anal or vaginal bleeding

Sexual abuse of an elder friend or loved one is often times the hardest thought to stomach. Friends and family of elders prefer to think that this sort of abuse doesn't exist but sadly, it does. It is also difficult to find signs of sexual abuse. That is why it is so important that if you suspect an elder is being sexually abused, to make proactive efforts to confirm or deny that this abuse is taking place. Speaking with an attorney or law enforcement official is often the best step to take.

4. Signs of Financial Abuse
- Unexplained withdrawals from checking/saving accounts
- Missing personal property or cash
- Unknown additions or changes to signature cards
- Suspicious changes of names of beneficiaries of wills and other similar documents
- Sudden unnecessary expenditures likely not used by the elder
- A sudden negative change in the elder's financial condition

Financial abuse of elders is frequent, but luckily it often leaves a paper trail in which one can easily identify a suspected abuser. However, many times the family and friends of loved ones either do not check or do not have access to check for these signs. In these cases, it is important to get access or permission of the elder to review their financial statements and legal documents to ensure that these abuses are not happening. In some cases, family of elders can get power of attorney over a senile or disabled elder's finances to prevent these abuses.

5. Signs of Healthcare Abuse
- Poor living conditions in nursing/retirement homes
- Overbilling or duplicate billing
- Inadequate level of care given to elders
- Unexplained increases in medical billing and/or services

You always see stories in the news about terrible living conditions in nursing/retirement homes and the fraud and other abuses caused by the employees of these facilities. Chances are if you suspect your loved one is not receiving adequate treatment or care in one of these facilities, they are not alone. Make an effort to know some of the family or friends of other elders in the facility and express your concern. They may have similar concerns and may be able to help you confirm that abuse is going on.

If you think you or someone you know is a victim of elder abuse, call local law enforcement immediately. They will tell you the best way to make the abuse stop.

After, you should speak with a qualified attorney to see if there are any legal options you should consider. At Rubinstein Law Offices, our qualified attorneys are understand the pain and hardship of elder abuse, not only on the victim, but on the victim's family and friends as well.

Call Rubinstein Law Offices today for a FREE consultation with one of our attorneys. They can answer your questions and help you and your family get the justice and compensation you deserve.

Call today at 425-688-1100.