Physical Elder Abuse Is…
Physical force that results in injury or death, commonly recognized as:
- Hitting
- Pushing
- Slapping
- Punching
- Beating
- Shaking
- Kicking
- Burning
- Unlawful, excessive, or unnecessary use of force like restraints or force-feeding
- Over-medication or under-medication
Signs Of Physical Elder Abuse Are…
- Dehydration or unusual weight loss
- Missing daily living aids (glasses, walker, or medication)
- Unexplained injuries, bruises, cuts, or sores
- Torn, stained, or bloody underclothing
- Unattended medical needs
- Unexplained sexually transmitted diseases
If You Suspect Physical Elder Abuse, Ask…
- Can the injuries be satisfactorily explained? Do the explanations make sense?
- Has something similar happened before?
- How did the older adult fall?
- Did they trip or were they pushed?
- If they fell, were any obstructions placed in their pathway?
- Do they normally use an ambulatory device? Was that present when they fell? If not, where was it?
If You Suspect Physical Elder Abuse…
- Multiple types of elder abuse may be present. Explore and document the presence of other types of abuse.
- Use the body diagram on the Documenting Elder Abuse and Neglect tool to document any and all physical injuries
- Take photographs of any physical injuries. (See Photo Tips.)
- Use the Bruising Identification Chart to help differentiate between accidental and intentional bruising
- Take victim’s, witness’s, and alleged perpetrator’s accounts of how the victim was injured. (See Interviewing Older Adults and First Responder Checklist)