Red Flags

Red Flags for Abuse

Sudden changes in the elder’s appearance: poor hygiene, dressed improperly for the weather, sunken eyes, bedsores, loss of weight.
Sudden changes in the elder’s personality; increased or unreasonable levels of anxiety, fearfulness and/or depression.
The elder becomes uncommunicative and unresponsive.
Sudden or swift decline in the health; malnourishment or sudden loss of weight.
Visible injury that has not been cared for, or cannot be explained with a realistic explanation.
A change in routine, no longer attending events or participating in events enjoyed in the past.
Social isolation/ not allowed to visit alone. Sudden loss of ability to meet financial obligations.
Going without things the elder needs or has always had in the past.
The elder states that they have had conflicts or problems with their caregiver and/or they use coded disclosures.