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Certain behaviors in seniors strongly indicate elder abuse

A recent study, released by the National Council on Aging, suggests that one out of every 10 seniors over the age of 60 has been taken advantage of because of their age. The type of elder abuse these individuals experience includes verbal, emotional, physical and sexual exploitation or abuse. This population is also often abandoned or neglected by their caregivers.

Another study, recently published by the National Research Council, suggests that only one in 14 cases of these shortcomings in care ever get reported to the proper authorities. Those who ill-treat this population include home health care aides, spouses, nursing home attendants, adult children and other relatives.

One sign of potential neglect or abuse is if an elderly individual appears to lose interest in participating in activities he or she previously took part in. Another sign is if he or she begins having difficulty sleeping. If your loved one becomes increasingly withdrawn from family or friends, then this should raise alarm as well.

If you visit your loved one and they appear to not have received a bath, are wearing soiled clothing, lose significant weight or have unexplained injuries, then these all may be signs that they're being abused. Some individuals who experience significant trauma may even experience thinning hair and often can be seen trembling or rocking as a coping mechanism.

Those who are emotionally abused may become withdrawn, depressed or experience confusion.They may also become fearful of others or act agitated. In some cases, they may become violent.

If your loved one is showing signs of having been ill-treated at hands of others, then a Tucson attorney can advise you of the next steps that you should take in your potential legal situation.