Warnings of Elder Abuse

There is a growing concern of elder abuse. Aging individuals that suffer from mental diseases like dementia are particularly vulnerable to abuse. Below are warning signs that can be helpful to raise a suspicion of elder abuse. Taken individually these warnings are not inherently meaningful. However, any combination of these signs could indicate a problem with abuse. 

1. The caregiver is secretive about the elder’s finances. 
2. The elder is financially supporting the caregiver. 
3. The caregiver isolates the elder from others. 
4. The caregiver insists on being in the room when anyone else is present. 
5. The caregiver has a history of substance abuse.
6. There are changes in the estate planning paperwork.
7. The caregiver moves the elder to his home without warning. 

See Carolyn Rosenblatt, Is a Family Member Ripping Off Your Aging Parent?, Forbes, Apr. 22, 2013.