Physical Abuse of Seniors

Physical Abuse

Sadly, physical abuse of senior citizens is not that uncommon. For their safety and protection, we must understand the definition and signs of physical abuse.

Physical abuse is force that causes injury or pain. Striking, hitting, beating, pushing, shoving, shaking, slapping, or kicking are considered physical abuse.

Abuse can also involve the inappropriate use of physical restraints, which include tie–downs or straps. If restraints are left in place too long, bruises may result. Freedom of movement becomes limited, and over a period of time the use of restraints may result in deconditioning and muscle atrophy (Falls in the Nursing Home, Ann Intern Med 1994 Sep 15; 121(6):442–51; Preventing Falls in the Nursing Home, JAMA 1997; 278(7):595–6).

Elders should not be given drugs to restrain them, unless these medications are necessary to treat their medical symptoms. Overmedicating a nursing home resident with tranquilizing drugs for the convenience of the staff is abusive. Employing psychotherapeutic or antipsychotic drugs for patient discipline is abusive. If a nursing home or hospital patient is in severe pain, providing inadequate pain medication may also constitute elder abuse. Similarly, failing to administer prescribed drugs may be neglect or physical abuse.

The symptoms of physical abuse are numerous. Some telltale signs include:

• bruises, especially in clusters or regular patterns in areas such as the neck or groin;
• black eyes, welts, lacerations, rope marks, bone fractures, broken bones, skull fractures, open wounds, cuts, punctures and untreated injuries in various stages of healing;
• burns (commonly on soles, palms, or buttocks);
• laboratory evidence of medication overdose or failure to administer prescribed drugs;
• an elder’s report of abuse;
• an elder’s sudden withdrawn behavior, or the refusal of the caretaker to allow visitors to see the elder alone.

If you encounter an emergency situation, consider calling the local Sheriff, police, or Adult Protective Services. See your telephone directory or the Eldercare Locator (National Center on Elder Abuse) for a list of emergency telephone numbers. For more information about reporting physical abuse, see Getting Help Outside the Facility.

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Recognizing Abuse:

• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Neglect
• Financial exploitation

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