It is no secret that aging is tough not only on the body but on the mind, as well. That makes it difficult for elderly patients to defend themselves against potential abusers, or even vocalize that they are being abused physically or financially. Recently, WalletHub ranked Arizona the fifth overall state in the nation in terms of protections for the elderly. That said, elder abuse can happen anytime and anywhere. You should be able to be your loved one’s strongest advocate if you ever suspect abuse. It can be difficult to recognize when someone is being abused at the hands of a caretaker or nursing home staff member, so here are some of the common signs of abuse, according to healthcare professionals.