Elder Abuse – Know the Signs

Donna Nichols • February 10, 2021

By knowing the signs of elder abuse you can then be part of the solution!

As senior advisors, we LOVE our seniors, and we have written many blogs to help you help THEM!!! One of the blogs is about the fears they have , another one Rose wrote is about how the health-care system is failing them.

Please check them out, they are very informative and can help you help THEM to thrive during the hardest part of their life.

How can you solve the elder abuse problem if you don’t know it’s happening?

Good question!!

First thing is to know the signs of elder abuse!

Elder Abuse - know the signs and become part of the solution

If a senior lives alone, the signs can be harder to see, such as weight loss, or unexplained banking transactions. If they live in a senior community, the signs can be more apparent. They can include, bruises, cuts, broken bones, malnutrition, poor hygiene, depression, and isolation.

If a senior has a caregiver, the abuse may be neglect and/or emotional abuse and you may never see this on the outside. Most caregivers are extremely caring and wonderful, but sometimes you may get one that is only there for the money.

The signs of neglect are very hard to spot and the senior may be reluctant to tell you about it due to retribution by the caregiver. Some caregivers will threaten the senior when the senior knows they are doing something wrong.

Be sure to ask questions such as:

    1. How was your doctor’s appointment today?
    2. Did you have something yummy for lunch, what was it?

The senior will be more likely to answer these questions and they’ll feel like they’re not “tattling” on the caregiver. You may be able to tell if the senior is hesitant to answer any of these questions, if they are, it may be time to find another caregiver.

Emotional abuse is another tough sign to spot, but if the senior seems to get upset at, say, playful banter, the caregiver could be saying hurtful things to him/her. If loud noises scare the senior more than they should, perhaps the caregiver is yelling at him/her.

A senior living alone is a perfect victim for scam artists. A scam artist will move into their home, eat their food, drive their car, and talk them out of their money, just to name a few things.

Once they move into the seniors home, all kinds of abuse can happen.

Emotional abuse, neglect, physical abuse, financial abuse, and sexual abuse. There is no one to look out for the senior, so who’s going to know?

However, a senior living alone who is checked upon regularly is less prone to fall victim.

If you know of a senior who still lives alone, go over and check on him/her. Ask if they need anything, see if they have food, and let them know about the latest scams out there.

We need to ensure our seniors are taken well care of, and it takes all of us working together to end elder abuse.

Look for the signs!!

If you need help or encouragement as a Caregiver give us a call at  386-847-2322  or check out our  Caregiver Support Group. Our  Senior Advisors  are here to walk with you through this journey.

February and the Heart

By Donna Nichols • February 2, 2026
Small Habits That Make a Big Difference February brings a soft reminder to pause and check in with the most loyal companion we have — our heart. It beats for us without asking, carrying us through decades of joy, loss, laughter, and change. American Heart Month invites us to honor that steady work with simple habits that help us feel stronger, more energized, and more connected. The Power of Small Steps Heart health doesn’t require dramatic resolutions or strict routines. In fact, the most meaningful changes are often the smallest ones — the ones we can weave into our day without feeling overwhelmed. A ten‑minute walk after breakfast. Choosing water before coffee. Stretching your arms and shoulders while waiting for the kettle to boil. Turning on a favorite song and letting your body sway a little. These tiny choices add up. They support circulation, boost mood, and remind us that caring for ourselves is still possible at every age. Movement That Meets You Where You Are Not everyone can take long walks or join a fitness class — and that’s okay. Gentle movement counts. • Marching your feet while seated • Rolling your shoulders to release tension • Standing up and sitting down a few times to strengthen your legs • Reaching toward the ceiling to open your chest Every bit of movement helps the heart do its job with less strain. Food That Loves You Back Heart‑healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. Think in terms of adding rather than restricting. • Add a handful of berries to breakfast • Add a few colorful vegetables to lunch • Add a sprinkle of nuts or seeds for healthy fats • Add one extra glass of water during the day Small additions feel doable — and they nourish the body in ways you can feel. Connection Is Heart Medicine, Too Loneliness can weigh on the heart just as much as physical strain. February is a wonderful time to reach out. Call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. Share a memory with a grandchild. Join a community activity, even if just for an hour. Let someone know you’re thinking of them. Human connection is one of the most powerful heart‑protective habits we have. A Month to Celebrate Your Strength Your heart has carried you through so much — every milestone, every challenge, every moment of joy. This month is not about perfection. It’s about honoring your resilience and choosing one or two small habits that make you feel good. A healthier heart doesn’t happen overnight. It happens in the quiet, steady choices we make each day. And February is the perfect time to begin.

Connection Is the Resolution That Lasts

By Donna Nichols • January 12, 2026
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A Fresh Start Doesn’t Mean Starting Over

By Donna Nichols • January 9, 2026
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