| Thousands of cases of alleged abuse, neglect and/or exploitation is reported in Arizona each year, with many of the cases involving an elderly person. Self-neglect is one of the more common allegations. Self-neglect occurs when the basic needs, such as food, water and shelter, of an elderly person is not met. Less common reported cases also include neglect, physical, financial, psychological and/or sexual abuse. |
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The exact number of elder abuse cases in Arizona remains unknown as cases of abuse are often reported.There are, however, signs that will help people identify any suspected cases of abuse. The key is to be aware of the elder’s surroundings, listen to the eldelry person and more importantly, speak up when you suspect any cases of abuse.
The following lists the various categories of elder abuse. While the explanations cover common warning signs, there will be other visual or emotional indicators of abuse.
| Physical Abuse |
Physical elder abuse is a form of maltreatment where a person inflicts physical harm on an elder. This form of abuse is commonly committed by a family member, caregiver, or a staff member of assisted living facilities or nursing homes. Infliction does not have to be intentional for it to be considered as physical abuse. Many cases of physical abuse are unintentional and a result of an individual using poor judgement and corporal punishment with an elderly person. |
Signs and SymptomsArizona, as with other states across the United States, uses the following common visual indicators to reveal possible cases of elder abuse:
- Skin abrasions or rashes
- Bruises or burn marks around the victim’s head, arms, legs and/or stomach
- Broken or fractured bones
- Bite marks
- Pain when gently touched
Additionally, there are non-visual clues that may reveal signs of physical abuse. These warning signs include:
- Inability to remember how an injury occurred
- Claims that the injury was an accident caused by him/herself or another individual
- Unwillingness to discuss a physical injury
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| Financial Abuse / Exploitation |
Financial elder abuse in Arizona is one of the more common types of abuse that occurs. As the seniors continue to grow older, they must place their trust in individuals and institutions to take care of them. This includes all financial related matters. As the abuser defrauds an elderly person of his or her money, the abuser builds a greater control of the elder’s life. Financial abuse can come in many different forms. The following signs and symptoms lists the common types of exploitation. |
Signs and Symptoms
- Unauthorized ATM/Cash withdrawals by a family member, caregiver or stranger
- Unauthorized use of credit cards or checks
- Denying an elder access to his or her own funds
- Family member or caregiver spends the elderly victim’s money on him/herself
- Real estate property transfers
- High-end equipment or jewelry goes missing or is “sold” to an unknown person
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| Emotional / Psychological Abuse |
Emotional or Psychological abuse is when an individual or group directly or indirectly inflicts emotional harm on an elderly person. This type of abuse can be either verbal or non-verbal. Common types of elderly emotional abuse in Arizona are humiliation, intimidation, isolation, embarrassment and threats. |
Signs and Symptoms
- Constant feeling of depression or low self-esteem
- Frequent suicidal thoughts
- Feelings of hopelessness or anxiety
- Sleep deprivation or insomnia
- Change in appetite or livelihood
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| Neglect / Self-Neglect |
Arizona describes neglect as the inability or refusal of a family member, caregiver or other individuals responsible for an elderly person, to provide basic necessities such as shelter, clothing, water and food, that creates a risk of injury or even death of the elder. |
Signs and Symptoms
- Bed sores
- Excessive body odor
- Lack of necessary medical and mental health treatments
- Poor living conditions
- Under or over medication
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