Elder Abuse
It is estimated that there are between one and two million injured, exploited, or mistreated elders in this country each year. Elder abuse is highly under-reported: Only 1 in 14 cases is reported to the authorities.
A first presentation of abuse or neglect may be oral signs or symptoms including:
- Broken, neglected teeth or dentures
- Black eye or broken nose
- Bruises to chin, earlobes, especially if at varying stages of healing
- Finger marks on face or neck
- Poor hygiene
- Signs of malnutrition or dehydration
- Unexplained or implausible injuries
Broken Teeth
B. J. Brown, RDH, MS
Other common signs of abuse or neglect include:
- Many visits to the emergency department or multiple medical practices
- Aspiration/choking from forced feeding
- Pressure ulcers, especially if not cared for
- Contractures
- Broken glasses
- Traumatic, patchy hair loss
- Failure to keep medical appointments
References
Red Flags of Abuse Fact Sheet. National Center on Elder Abuse. Accessed March 9, 2018
Healthcare (Basel). 2020 Sep; 8(3): 281. Published online 2020 Aug 20. doi: 10.3390/healthcare8030281.