1. Know the Signs, Strategies, and Facts
Elder Abuse Awareness
Know the Signs, Strategies, and Facts

2. What is Elder Abuse?
Abuse can be physical, psychological, sexual, financial or in the form of neglect. While one may think that abuse involved doing bad to another, it is also abusive not to do something that needs to be done. In fact, neglect is the most common form of elder mistreatment in the domestic setting.
Takingcareofmomanddad.com/specialtopics/elderabuse

3. Obligated Reporting
Meals on Wheels is interested in the well-being of every client, so please inform your site coordinator if you feel you have witnessed elder abuse and a report needs to be made.
If you’re unsure that what you’ve seen is elder abuse, please share your observations and we can continue to assess the situation.

4. Obligated Reporting Continued
Any concerned person can make such a report. Reports can be made anonymously or acting as an individual, not on behalf of Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland.
Under Maryland Law, any health practitioner, police officer or human service worker who has reason to believe that a vulnerable adult is in danger, is required to report that fact to the local Department of Social Services.

5. Important Definitions
Vulnerable Adult - a person aged 18 or over who lacks the physical or mental capacity to provide for her or his daily needs.
Neglect - the willful deprivation of adequate food, clothing, medical treatment, or habilitative therapy, shelter, or supervision from a vulnerable adult.
Self-Neglect - the inability of a vulnerable adult to provide for his/her physical or mental health and well-being.
Abuse - the sustaining of any physical injury by a vulnerable adult as a result of cruel or inhumane treatment or as a result of a malicious act by any person,
Exploitation - any action which involves the misuse of a vulnerable adult’s funds, property, or person.

6. Signs of Abuse: Physical Abuse
Multiple injuries
Injuries that normally would not occur together
Bruises, welts or abrasions
The use of physical restraints, such as tying
Burns that could come from cigarettes or immersion to water that is too hot
A caregiver's refusal to allow visitors to see the person alone
Confusion might indicate over-medication

7. Signs of Abuse: Physical Neglect
Dehydration
Malnourishment without a cause related to illness
Failure to provide physical aids such as glasses, hearing aids, or false teeth
Bed sores
Lack of compliance with medical care instructions

8. Signs of Abuse: Psychological Abuse
Statements about a caretaker that indicate fear
Threats or insults by caretaker
Caretaker talks of person as a burden
Person is withdrawn; gives short answers to questions, averts gaze
Person is not given opportunity to talk to others alone
Caregiver leaves person alone for long periods of time
Caregiver ignores person; gives "silent treatment"
Person shows signs of infantile behavior, antisocial behavior

9. Signs of Abuse: Financial Neglect or Exploitation
Someone has the person's mail sent to their own address
Person is confused about his or her income and resources
Possessions and quality of life seems substandard given the resources the person has
Frequent or large gifts/checks written to a caregiver
Personal belongings missing
Someone lives with the person and refuses to leave
Numerous unpaid bills despite adequate income or unusual activity in bank accounts
Other persons added to bank accounts

10. Signs of Abuse: Sexual Abuse
Painful urination/defecation, or retention
Difficulty walking or sitting
Torn, stained or bloody underclothing
Genital or anal infection, irritation, discharge, bleeding, bruising, pain
Takingcareofmomanddad.com/specialtopics/elderabuse

11. Things You Can Do
If someone other than the client frequently answers the door, ask if you can see the client for a few minutes
Immediately report unusual circumstances to your site coordinator and ask to fill out a Client Concern Form
Remember that anyone can make an anonymous report of suspected abuse to their local Department of Social Services