Diagnosis Dictionary

Elder or Dependent Adult Abuse (Symptoms)

Whether its physical, sexual, or emotional, elder abuse is a serious crime. A frail or disabled elderly person can also be abused through neglect and financial exploitation.

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  • Bruises and lacerations
  • Broken or fractured bones
  • Untreated injuries in various stages of healing
  • Sprains, dislocations and internal injuries
  • Laboratory findings of medication overdose or under-utilization of prescribed drugs
  • Elder's report of being hit, kicked or mistreated
  • Elder's sudden change in behavior, including becoming depressed, agitated, withdrawn and non-communicative
  • Dehydration, malnutrition, untreated bedsores and poor hygiene
  • Unattended or untreated health problems
  • Unsafe or unclean living conditions
  • Elder's report of mistreatment
  • Caregiver's refusal to allow visitors to see an elder alone
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The Latest on Elder or Dependent Adult Abuse

Gathering Non-Medical Information to Help Aging Parents Stay Independent by Dan Tobin, M.D.

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