How can I tell if my mother might be physically abused?

Signs that a person might be experiencing physical abuse can include

• marks of physical injuries that cannot be explained (or where the explanation seems unlikely), for example, bruises, welts, cuts, burns, or head injuries;
• confusion or tiredness from over-medication;
• continued suffering from a medical condition as a result of under-medication;
• loss of mobility as a result of being restrained.

There may also be indications of abuse where the older adult lives, for example,

• locks on the doors;
• locks in areas where food is kept;
• unusual marks on furniture where restraints might have been used.

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January 2006

see also:

• More Abuse of Older Adults FAQs

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