Warning Signs of Adult Abuse

Physical

Injury that has not been cared for properly
Injury that is inconsistent with explanation for its cause
Dehydration or malnutrition without illness-related cause
Poor skin color
Sunken eyes or cheeks
Forced isolation

Behavioral

Fear
Anxiety, agitation
Isolation, withdrawal
Non-responsiveness, resignation, ambivalence
Contradictory statements, implausible stories
Hesitation to talk openly
Confusion or disorientation
Caregiver prevents vulnerable adult from speaking to or seeing visitors
Caregiver’s lack of affection toward vulnerable adult
Caregiver talks of vulnerable adult as a burden

Financial

Expensive gifts from vulnerable adult to caregiver
Vulnerable adult’s personal belongings, papers, credit cards missing
Numerous unpaid bills
A recent will when vulnerable adult seems incapable of writing will
Caregiver’s name added to bank account
Vulnerable adult unaware of monthly income
Vulnerable adult signs on loan