What are common signs of elder abuse?

Unexplained injuries are a common sign of elder abuse because they may indicate that the individual has experienced physical harm that cannot be adequately explained through normal daily activities. These injuries may appear as bruises, cuts, or other signs of trauma that raise concerns about the care and treatment the elder is receiving. When caregivers or family members cannot provide a satisfactory explanation for these injuries, it could suggest that the elder is suffering abuse, whether physical, emotional, or neglectful in nature.

Frequent hospital visits may not specifically indicate abuse; they can also be a result of legitimate health issues or chronic conditions. Overmedication can indeed be a form of abuse, particularly in the context of misuse of medications, but the presence of such a condition may not be visually evident without investigation. Excessive communication with family members typically does not relate to signs of elder abuse; it may actually reflect good support and engagement rather than any indication of harm. Thus, unexplained injuries stand out as a direct and alarming indicator of potential abuse in elders.