Signs of elder abuse or fraud can be difficult to recognize as it can be easily mistaken for deteriorating
health or a lapse in mental judgment, as well as memory loss or dementia. While many of the signs and
symptoms of elder abuse may overlap with similar symptoms of mental deterioration, but that doesn’t
mean you should dismiss them!

 

Elder Abuse & Elder Fraud can take a variety of forms, whether it is physical, financial, emotional there
are ways to determine if, in fact, an elder may be a victim of fraud or abuse, but first let’s dive into the
meaning of Elder Fraud & Elder Abuse.

 

What Is Elder Abuse?

 

Elder abuse can include but is not limited to physical, emotional, or sexual harm that is inflicted upon an
elderly individual. While it is possible this neglect may be due to the individual in question, determining
the source is important as it will provide insight on how to assist their needs best.

Below is a list of common Elder Abuse Claims:

 

Physical abuse warning signs:

 

• Unexplained signs of injury, such as bruises, welts, or scars, especially if they appear

• symmetrically on two sides of the body

• Broken, sprained, or dislocated bones

• Reports of drug overdose or an apparent failure to take medication regularly (a prescription has

• more remaining than it should)

• Broken eyeglasses or frames

• Signs of being restrained, such as rope marks on wrists

• Emotional abuse warning signs:

• Threatening, belittling, or controlling behavior displayed by caregiver or caretaker

• Behavior that mimics dementia, such as rocking, sucking, or mumbling to themselves

 

What is Elder Fraud?

Elder Fraud consists of anything involving financial exploitation, or neglect of an individual’s wellbeing
by those who are directly responsible for their care.
Below is a list of frequent Elder Fraud Claims:

Financial exploitation warning signs:

• Peculiar withdrawals from the elder’s accounts

• Sudden changes in the elder’s financial situation

• Items missing from the senior’s household

• Sudden changes in wills, power of attorney, titles, and policies

• Addition of names to the senior’s signature card

• Unnecessary services, goods, or subscriptions

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Healthcare fraud or abuse warning signs:

 

• Duplicate bills for the same medical service or devices

• Overmedication or under-medication

• Evidence of subpar care when bills are paid in full

• Problems with the care facility: poorly trained, poorly paid, or insufficient staff

 

Do You Have Concerns of Elder Abuse or Fraud?

If you have any specific questions or concerns regarding elder abuse, fraud or where to begin the
investigative process, please reach out to Attorney Andrew Bucklin  781-632-8675 or contact him directly on his website.