What Is Alzheimer’s Abuse? How To Find If Your Loved One Is Being Abused?

Dementia Care

Many Alzheimer’s abuse cases go unnoticed and unreported as the victims might not be able to tell anyone about the abuse that they face. In the opinion of many senior care experts, Alzheimer’s patients are much more likely to suffer abuse than other residents of a senior nursing home. This is because these residents can be easy targets for aggressors and also because they need more difficult care when compared to other residents.

Friends and family of a patient with Alzheimer’s or other dementia disorders should try to visit the patient regularly. This is because family members and friends will be able to better observe the care of the patient and will be able to notice the changes in health, behavior, and mood that might be signaling neglect or abuse.

Vulnerability Of Alzheimer’s Patients

Even though most of the caregivers in dementia care homes do their best to ensure proper care, there can be caregivers who take advantage and abuse elderly residents suffering from dementia disorders. Usually, these aggressors focus on the most vulnerable residents. Due to their impairment in memory and inability to communicate, Alzheimer’s patients are much more vulnerable to abuse. Aggressors can also target these patients as they can be easily confused and might not even understand that they are being abused.

Due to their memory condition, victims of Alzheimer’s abuse might not remember the specific details and events of the abuse and may only remember the feelings of anxiety and anguish. If the patient is unable to effectively communicate, it can be difficult for others to identify the abuse and ensure help.

Indicators Of Alzheimer’s Abuse

There can be many indicators of Alzheimer’s abuse and some of the most common ones are:

• Cuts and bruises
• Fractures and wounds
• Dehydration and malnutrition
• Rapidly declining health
• Agitation and irritability
• Abrupt changes in behavior and personality
• The rapid progress of Alzheimer’s
• Sudden financial problems
• Depression or withdrawal

Apart from physical abuse, Alzheimer’s patients can also be financially abused. Statistics show that financial abuse of Alzheimer’s patients is a rising problem across the US. Staff members of nursing homes can take advantage of the residents and can take high-value items or money from them. It is easy for the staff members to target Alzheimer’s patients as they are much more likely to forget about theft. The risk of financial abuse in a dementia care center can increase if the caregivers are struggling with substance abuse or financial problems.