Abuse happens in every community.  Every day there are elderly people being abused in their own homes. Physical abuse is one that is unimaginable but yet it still happens.  People who commit physical abuse are usually stressed out or have emotional problems of their own.  The abuser is usually a family member often with psychological problems.

What is physical abuse?

Physical abuse is the use of physical force that may cause injury, pain or impairment.

Physical abuse includes:

• punching, hitting, slapping or beating
• pushing or shoving
• shaking/kicking
• pinching
• burning
• using physical restraints inappropriately
• taking away all food or water or forcing food
• putting someone out unprotected in severe weather
• using physical punishment
• making inappropriate sexual contact

Signs of physical abuse:

• burn marks, including cigarette burns
• unexplained bruises especially bruises in the shape of a belt or fingers
• mutliple bruises/ black eyes 
• frequent trips to the emergency room
• cuts or scrapes
• sexual assault
• spots where hair seems to have been pulled out
• rope marks especially on wrist or ankles
• broken bones
• broken eyeglasses  
• limping  

Ways to prevent physical abuse:

• Keep a close eye on your loved one or client.  Report any suspicions of physical abuse to the proper authority.
• Discuss physical contact with your loved one what is appropriate and what some may consider it an invasion of their private space. Be understanding as it is a sensitive issue.
• Be gentle with your loved one or patient. Rushing may save you time but it doesn’t work out in the long run if your loved one or patient becomes hurt or injured.

If you suspect there is physical abuse don’t wait to report the abuse because you might think it’s not.  If it is abuse you can trully save someone’s life.  If it isn’t abuse no one will get hurt. You are looking out for that person’s best interest.