ELDER ABUSE What to watch for

Unexplained cuts, welts, bruises, burns and other trauma.
Certain repeated injuries, such as sprains, fractures, detached retina.
Watch for inconsistent explanations of injuries.
Unusual or unapproved banking activity, such as large cash or ATM withdrawals in a short time.
Missing personal items.
Signatures on checks or other financial documents don't match person's signature.
Person suddenly stops receiving bank statements.
Unusual passivity, ambivalence or shame.
Anxiety, depression, hopelessness, confusion, helplessness, suicidal wishes.
Behavioral signs include trembling, wandering, clinging, lack of eye contact, agitation and evasiveness.
Trauma to the genital area.
Venereal disease.
Infections and/or unusual smell or discharge.
Caregiver or another refuses to provide necessary care or ignores basic needs, such as bathing, feeding and medications.
Indicators include bedsores, malnutrition, dehydration, dirty bed linens and untreated sores.
Source: Adult Protective Services
AREA AGENCIES
Volunteer Service to Seniors. Volunteers assist with transportation, visiting, socialization and telephone reassurance. Call 782-5877 for more information or to volunteer.
Long-Term Ombudsman Program. An ombudsman works with those in a long-term care setting to be sure services are appropriately provided. They monitor laws and regulations, resolve complaints about safety, billing and other issues. For more information, call 746-2938 or (800) 589-5826.
Help Hotline Crisis Center, a 24-hour crisis intervention and suicide prevention service. Call 747-2696 in Mahoning County; 424-7767 in Columbiana County.
Family Service Agency. Individual, family and consumer credit counseling, guardianship program. Call 782-5664 for more information.