Older people rarely volunteer that they are being harmed, particularly when the person responsible is a family member or carer who comes to appointments with them. A few minutes alone, framed as routine, can make disclosure easier.
Warning signs include unexplained injuries, weight loss, poor hygiene, missed medicines, sudden financial changes and a carer who answers every question. A simple, non-judgemental question such as whether anyone at home has hurt, frightened or taken money from them is a reasonable start.
- Make time to see older patients alone at least once, as a routine part of review.
- Ask directly and without judgement whether anyone has hurt, frightened or taken money from them.
- Look for unexplained injuries, neglect and a carer who dominates the consultation.
- Know your local safeguarding or elder helpline contacts before you need them.
Why it matters
Abuse that is never asked about is almost never disclosed.
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