The abuse of the elderly is a serious problem in California. This abuse can be difficult to spot and requires those who care for the elderly to be on guard.

The abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual or financial. The easiest to spot is often the physical abuse. Look for signs of black and blue marks on the older person. Sometimes, when the black and blue marks appear, the caretakers, including nursing homes, try to explain the black and blue marks as the patient losing their balance. Other times, the elderly person will experience extreme injuries like a broken pelvis that cannot be explained. Other signs of elder abuse include broken eyeglasses, a drug overdose or not taking their medicine, or signs of being restrained.

Emotional abuse often mimics the signs of dementia. Those suspecting elderly abuse need to consider the way their loved ones are treated. Look for signs that the caretaker is threatening or belittling the elderly person. The elderly person may show signs of rocking, sucking their thumb or mumbling to themselves more when the person doing the abuse is present.

The elderly person may also be sexually abused. The person suspecting elder abuse may observe bruises around the private areas. The elderly person may suddenly develop venereal disease or genital infections. The observer also needs to look for bleeding from the vagina. A common sign of sexual abuse is torn or bloody underclothing. It's important to remember that sexual abuse that takes place in a medical center, like an old folk's home, is not only considered a criminal offense against the attacker but also can be considered negligence against the operators of the facility.

Finances are often hard for the elderly person to handle. However, it is important for the person that is taking care of the elderly to be responsible for careful accounting of the elderly's money. When visiting the elderly makes sure that their valuables are still in place. Furthermore, make sure that the basic needs such as food and electricity are being present.

Finding signs of elder abuse can be hard to spot. They can be physical, emotional, sexual or financial. Make sure when visiting the elderly to be open to the possibility and make sure explanations to problems make sense. If feel that you or a loved one has been injured, due to the negligence of another, contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you claim damages and get fair compensation for the damages you've endured.