It is rare to uncover abuse by a family member who provides direct support to an older person. It is more likely to be a son or a daughter or a partner who provides no practical or emotional support. Although we recognise the intense stress that can be involved in providing personal care to a family member, this is most likely to have a detrimental impact on the carer themselves rather than manifest as elder abuse.

	The older person may not be allowed to speak for themselves, or see others, without the presence of the family member (suspected abuser) being present;
	Attitudes of indifference or anger toward the older person, or the obvious absence of assistance;
	Family member blames the elder (e.g. accusation that incontinence is a deliberate act);
	Aggressive behaviour (threats, insults, harassment) by family member toward the older person;
	Previous history of abuse of others;
	Inappropriate display of affection by the family member;
	Flirtations, coyness, etc that might be possible indicators of inappropriate sexual relationships;
	Social isolation of family, or isolation or restriction of activity of the older person;
	Conflicting accounts of incidents by family, supporters, or older person;
	Inappropriate or unwarranted defensiveness by family member;
	Indications of unusual confinement (closed off in a room; tied to furniture; change in routine activity);
	Obvious absence of assistance, or attendance;
	Previous history or abusive behaviour.

Indicators

Physical

Family abuse

Call our helpline UK: 0808 808 8141 ROI: 1800 940 010

What is Elder Abuse?

What are the signs?

Family Abuse

Indicators

Call our helpline UK: 0808 808 8141
ROI: 1800 940 010