Mickey Rooney Claims Elder Abuse

The signs of elder abuse:

Financial

• Bank withdrawals that are inconsistent with an older person's typical bank activity.

• New authorized signers on person's accounts, or changes in beneficiaries.

• Increased activity on credit card accounts.

• Caregiver, relative or friend showing excessive interest in person's finances or assets, or who doesn't allow an older person to speak for himself or herself.
  
  

Physical

• Suspicious bruises or other injuries.

• Sudden change in behavior. (Person is extremely upset, withdrawn, unresponsive.)
  
  

Where to turn for help:

• The elder care locator (1-800-677-1116), for a referral to a local agency that can help.

• Your local Adult Protective Services, the government agency responsible for investigating cases, intervening and providing help.
  
  

Carole Fleck is a senior editor at the AARP Bulletin. Talia Schmidt is a Bulletin intern.