Types of Abuse

Recognizing Signs of Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation

As a caregiver, you must know and look for possible signs of mistreatment. One sign or a combination of signs might make you suspect something is wrong. Use your observation skills and stay alert to what you see and hear.

Watch and/or listen for:

• any sign of a problem;
• what the client is telling you;
• a nagging feeling that something is not right;
• things that do not have an explainable cause; and
• explanations for injuries or behavior that do not seem to make sense.

Types of Abuse

“Abuse” means the willful action or inaction that inflicts injury, unreasonable confinement, intimidation, or punishment on a vulnerable adult. In instances of abuse of a vulnerable adult who is unable to express or demonstrate physical harm, pain, or mental anguish, the abuse