Decide For Your Freedom

Financial Exploitation of the Elderly

Physical Signs
Injury that has not been cared for properly
Injury that is inconsistent with the explanation for its cause
Pain when touched
Cuts, puncture wounds, burns, bruises welts
Dehydration or malnutrition without illness-related cause
Poor skin color
Sunken eyes or cheeks
Inappropriate administration of medication
Soiled clothing or bed
Lack of necessities such as food, water, or utilities
Lack of personal effects, pleasant living environment, personal items
Forced isolation
Behavioral Signs
Vulnerable Adult
Fear
Anxiety or agitation
Anger
Isolation and withdrawal
Depression
Non-responsiveness, resignation or ambivalence
Contradictory statements or implausible stories
Hesitation to talk openly
Confusion or disorientation

Caregiver
Prevents vulnerable adult from speaking to or seeing visitors
Anger, indifference, or aggressive behavior towards a vulnerable adult
History of substance abuse, mental illness, criminal behavior, or family violence
Lack of affection toward vulnerable adult
Flirtation or coyness as a possible indicator of inappropriate sexual relationship
Conflicting accounts of incidents
Speaks of vulnerable adult as a burden
Believes vulnerable adult can do more self care than actually capable of

Environmental Signs
Accumulation or hoarding
Inadequate shelter
Drug paraphernalia
Inadequate or spoiled food
Offensive odors
Multiple prescription bottles from multiple doctors or pharmacies
Inadequate sanitation for pets
Vermin infestation

Financial Signs
Frequent expensive gifts from vulnerable adult to caregiver
Vulnerable adult's personal belongings, papers, credit cards are missing
Numerous unpaid bills
A recent will when vulnerable adult seems incapable of writing a will
Signing over deeds to property
Caregiver's name added to bank account
Vulnerable adult unaware of monthly income
Vulnerable adult signs on a loan
Frequent checks made out to cash
Unusual activity in bank account
Irregularities on tax returns
Vulnerable adult unaware of reason for appointments with bankers or attorneys
Caregiver's refusal to spend money on vulnerable adult
Signatures on checks or legal documents that do not resemble the vulnerable adult's signature