Urinary tract infections also can indicate abuse, particularly if all the infected patients are housed in one room or taken care of by one aide. Vaginal bleeding is suspicious, as are certain patterns of bruising to the abdomen and pelvis. It's really to the abdomen, where a massive amount of force has been used, and you'll see the pattern. Older victims of sexual abuse also show psychological symptoms. It is almost traumatic shock.
Pressure ulcers are another area of concern.
Pressure ulcers in areas that may be hard to move or access, however, such as the hips or lower spine, may not be a sign of neglect even if they get progressively worse if they have been documented and appropriately cared for. At present, healthcare workers avoid and ignore signs of elder abuse. Physicians simply do not like to believe that family members would abuse their aged relatives. The belief . . . Ageism also prevents physicians from detecting neglect.