Warning Signs

Physical Signs | Behavioral Signs | Environmental Signs | Signs of Financial Abuse​ 

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; or
• Forced isolation.

Behavioral Signs

Vulnerable Adult

• Fear;
• Anxiety, agitation;
• Anger;
• Isolation, withdrawal;
• Depression;
• Non-responsiveness, resignation, ambivalence;
• Contradictory statements, implausible stories;
• Hesitation to talk openly; or
• Confusion or disorientation.

Caregiver

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

Environmental Signs

• Accumulations, hoarding;
• Inadequate shelter;
• Drug paraphernalia;
• Inadequate or spoiled food;
• Offensive odors;
• Multiple prescription bottles from multiple doctors or pharmacies;
• Inadequate sanitation for pets; or
• Vermin infestation.

Financial Signs

•  Frequent expensive gifts from vulnerable adult to caregiver;
• Vulnerable adult's personal belongings, papers, credit cards missing;
• Numerous unpaid bills;
• A recent will when vulnerable adult seems incapable of writing will;
• Signing over deeds to property;
• Caregiver's name added to bank account;
• Vulnerable adult unaware of monthly income;
• Vulnerable adult signs on loan;
• Frequent checks made out to "cash;"
• Unusual activity in bank account;
• Irregularities on tax return;
• Vulnerable adult unaware of reason for appointment with banker or attorney;
• Caregiver's refusal to spend money on vulnerable adult; or
• Signatures on checks or legal documents that do not resemble vulnerable adult's.