Salib, M.D.

Accidental bruising in patients taking anticoagulants is rare on the ears, neck, genitals, buttocks and soles of the feet. Neglect is more common than physical abuse. Most reports of abuse come from family and friends. Current estimates are that only 1 in 5 cases are reported. Reference: Mosqueda L, Burnight K, Liao S: Bruising in the geriatric population. US Dept of Justice, 2006. Statistics at a glance. National Center on Elder Abuse website. http://www.ncea.aoa.gov/NCEAroot/Main_Site/FAQ/Basics/Types_Of_Abuse.aspx Signs and symptoms of physical elder abuse: bruises, black eyes, welts, lacerations, and rope marks; bone fractures, broken bones, and skull fractures; open wounds, cuts, punctures, untreated injuries in various stages of healing; sprains, dislocations, and internal injuries/bleeding; broken eyeglasses/frames, physical signs of being subjected to punishment, and signs of being restrained; laboratory findings of medication overdose or under utilization of prescr...