Elder Abuse

Access to Justice: Legal, Social and Economic Services for Older Victims of Sexual, Physical and Financial Crimes-2020.

List of the most common types of Elder Abuse

Physical Abuse

Emotional and Psychological Abuse

Sexual Abuse

Neglect and/or abandonment by caregivers

Financial Exploitation

Healthcare Fraud & Abuse

Sadly, in the study of 4,156 older adults, family members are the most likely perpetrators of financial exploitation of older adults, followed by friends and neighbors, followed by home care aides

Elder Abuse Prevention

Educate yourself to be aware of different types and signs of elder abuse

Check in on your elder loved ones often and this can be in person or by phone or by email

Respond immediately if you have concerns about a senior’s elder care staff or home care aides; trust your instincts

Conduct painstaking research of a potential nursing home and check carefully any red flags

If at all possible, visit regularly

Signs and Symptoms of Elder Abuse

Signs we can see include malnourishment and weight loss and poor hygiene and bed sores. Showing symptoms of depression and anxiety and confusion.  Loss of money and or unexplained financial transactions; and disturbingly, physical signs of abuse, including cuts, bruises or broken bones, or caregivers that try to prevent you visiting alone with the senior. Sometimes the signs are difficult to recognize as many signs of elder abuse overlap with symptoms of mental deterioration or dementia but that does not mean the symptoms are to be ignored.

Fastest Growing form of Elder Abuse

Financial exploitation which entails some of the following:

Announcement of a prize the senior won but requires payment to claim

Phone and Charity fraud

What to Look For

Unusual patterns of spending and withdrawals from bank accounts and credit cards

Regular purchases of inappropriate items or items not normal for that individual to purchase

Unpaid bills and unpaid utilities

New “best friends” who are receiving gifts from a senior citizen

Where does Elder Abuse Occur

Most often in the home where the senior lives and in institutional settings like long term care facilities. Statistics indicate that 1 in 10 elder adults experience some form of abuse.

Do Something

If you suspect a senior is being financially abused you can report the possible abuse to your local Adult Protection Services and/or your State Attorney General’s Office and/or Local Police.

Document the extent of the abuse

If you are a senior make sure your affairs are in order and if not seek professional help in getting them in order, with the assistance of a trusted friend or relative if necessary.

As a senior, do not become isolated; make every effort to stay in regular touch with trusted friends and family,

As a senior, speak up if you become uncomfortable, in any way, with the care you are receiving

As a senior, tell at least one person; a doctor or a trusted family member of friend but do not confront the abuser by yourself

Feelings of shame occur as you struggle to believe the abuse is occurring but it is not your fault

Positive Methods in the Prevention of Elder Abuse

Assist in keeping elders engaged in their community. This may mean rides to church and a dinner invitation or access to community activities.

Support primary caregivers and spend time getting to know them and keeping elders away from high risk care givers. Look for signs of stress in caregivers and offer assistance to help

Learn about your community resources available to seniors.