Read more about these types of abuse: financial, neglect, sexual, emotional.

Any older adult can be at risk of experiencing physical abuse, whether it be from friends, family members, or caregivers. Loved ones should understand the signs of physical abuse, as well as how to prevent it to keep their family members safe and protected.

Physical elder abuse refers to an intentional use of force against a senior. It can be perpetrated by anyone in an older adult’s life, including their children, spouse, or caregiver. This force can result in injury, illness, or even death.

This form of elder abuse can include shoving, kicking, hitting, slapping, and striking with an object. Restraint (such as tying someone to a piece of furniture or locking them in a room) is also a form of physical abuse.

There are numerous physical signs of abuse to look out for. This can include unexplained:

When it comes to treating these injuries, it’s important to pay close attention to how the primary caregiver responded. A history of hospitalization for similar injuries or a delay in receiving medical attention can be a sign of abuse. Going to different emergency rooms can also be a red flag, as the perpetrator may do so in order to prevent detection of mistreatment.

In addition to visible injury to the body, there may be other clues that physical abuse has occurred. Damage to their personal belongings or living space (such as broken glasses or a hole in the wall) can be a sign of abuse.

Beyond the physical warnings, a senior that has been abused may also have an emotional and behavioral response to the trauma. This can include:

If your loved one is in an assisted living facility, there are some additional signs from the professionals that you should look out for.

When asked about an injury, take note if the professional caregiver fails to properly explain how they were hurt. Changing the subject or not being able to give details on what happened may be a sign of mistreatment.

Any refusal by the caregiver for you to see or speak to your loved one alone should also raise a red flag. Further, a strained relationship between the caregiver and the senior can be an indicator of abuse.

As a loved one of an older adult, learning about the signs of physical abuse is essential for preventing mistreatment. This allows you to look out for the red flags and step in if needed.

Building connection with your family member is also essential. If they do experience any form of abuse, they will be more willing to come forward and report it if they have someone they can trust. Encouraging them to connect with their community is also important for reducing isolation, which can be a risk factor of abuse.

For those being taken care of by professional caregivers, it’s also important to analyze the quality of the service. Staff should be regularly trained on all forms of abuse, and background checks should be done to ensure caregivers don’t have a history of violence.

Elder abuse laws in Florida address physical mistreatment to ensure older adults are legally protected against this form of abuse. If you suspect your loved one has been physically abused, it’s important to report it as soon as possible to get them the help they need.