No one should be abused. Not physically, verbally, neglected or harmed in any way. Everyone has the right to feel safe and secure. Elder abuse is a crime. Protection is a right due to everyone. If you or someone you know is being abused, report it. As elders become more physically frail, they’re less able to stand up to bullying and or fight back if attacked. Every year more than 500,000 cases of elder abuse are reported, and, in all likelihood, millions more go unreported. As people grow older, they become more and more dependent on family and other caregivers around them. This dependence leaves them vulnerable. They may not see or hear as well or think as clearly as they used to. Their mental or physical ailments may require increased patience and tolerance from caregivers. If your have an elder in your family, you should be aware of elder abuse and its warning signs.

What is elder abuse?

Elder abuse refers to any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to an older adult.

Who are the abusers of older people?

Family members are most often the perpetrators of elder abuse, most commonly a spouse, followed by adult children. Neglect is the most common form of abuse perpetrated by family members.

Who is at risk?

While elder abuse happens across the social spectrum. Social isolation and mental impairment (such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease) are two factors that may make an older person more vulnerable to abuse. In some situations, studies show that living with someone else (a caregiver or a friend) may increase the chances for abuse to occur. A history of domestic violence may also make a senior more susceptible to abuse.

Types of Abuse

Physical Abuse

Inflicting, or threatening to inflict, physical pain or injury, or depriving a person of basic needs.

• Unexplained signs of injury such as bruises, welts, or scars, especially if they appear symmetrically on two side of the body
• Broken bones, sprains, or dislocations
• Report of drug overdose or apparent failure to take medication regularly (a prescription has more remaining than it should)
• Broken eyeglasses or frames
• Signs of being restrained, such as rope marks on wrists
• Caregiver’s refusal to allow you to see the elder alone

Emotional Abuse

Inflicting mental pain, anguish, or distress on an elder person through verbal and non-verbal acts.

• Threatening, belittling, or controlling caregiver behavior that you witness
• Behavior from the elder that mimics dementia, such as rocking, sucking, or mumbling to oneself

Sexual Abuse

Non-consensual sexual contact of any kind.

• Bruises around breasts or genitals
• Unexplained venereal disease or genital infections
• Unexplained vaginal or anal bleeding
• Torn, stained, or bloody underclothing

Neglect

Refusal, or failure by those responsible, to provide food, shelter, health care or protection for an elder adult.

• Unusual weight loss, malnutrition, dehydration
• Untreated physical problems, such as bed sores
• Unsanitary living conditions: dirt, bugs, soiled bedding and clothes
• Being left dirty or unbathed
• Unsuitable clothing or covering for the weather
• Unsafe living conditions (no heat or running water; faulty electrical wiring, other fire hazards)
• Desertion of the elder at a public place

Abandonment

The desertion of an elderly person by anyone who has assumed the responsibility for care or custody of that person.

Fraud and Exploitation

Illegal taking, misuse, or concealment of funds property, or assets of an elder person.  For more about fraud against the elderly,

Healthcare Fraud and Abuse

• Duplicate billings for the same medical service or device
• Evidence of overmedication or undermedication
• Evidence of inadequate care when bills are paid in full
• Problems with the care facility:
  - Poorly trained, poorly paid, or insufficient staff
  - Crowding
  - Inadequate responses to questions about care

What should you do if an elder is being abused?

Report it. Elder abuse is a crime. If you suspect elder abuse in any situation, whether it’s in a private home or a residential or medical facility, the most important thing you can do to help is report it. Many victims of elder abuse feel shame and fear, and may not be able to report elder abuse themselves.

Call the police or 9-1-1 immediately if someone you know is in immediate danger.

You also can call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116. At this number you can find help and referrals to a local agency who can give you guidance.

If the danger is not immediate, but you suspect that abuse has occurred or is occurring, please tell someone. Relay your concerns to the local adult protective services, long-term care ombudsman, or police. For a list of reporting numbers go to this important link: Where to Report Abuse.

When You Call to Report Elder Abuse have this information ready:

1. Your name and contact information, but if you prefer to remain anonymous you can still report elder abuse
2. The elder’s name, address and contact information
3. What types of support the elder has (including family, doctor or other medical workers, friends, and health care workers who could be helpful)
4. Details about why you suspect elder abuse or are concerned about the possibility of elder abuse, including physical evidence (bruises, burns), hitting, yelling, poor nutrition or other threats to the elderly

Links and Resources

National Center on Elder Abuse The Eldercare Locator, public service of the Administration on Aging, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is a nationwide service that connects older Americans and their caregivers with information on senior services. The Eldercare Locator is designed to help older adults and their families and caregivers find their way through the maze of services for seniors by identifying trustworthy local support resources. The goal is to provide users with the information and resources they need that will help older persons live independently and safely in their homes and communities for as long as possible.

The Eldercare Locator, public service of the Administration on Aging, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is a nationwide service that connects older Americans and their caregivers with information on senior services.

Call the Eldercare Locator toll-free at 1-800-677-1116. Monday through Friday 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM (ET).

Frequently Asked Questions Answers to 12 key questions about elder abuse. See Basics and other site links at left on page for additional information.

National Domestic Violence Hotline for Anonymous & Confidential Help 24/7
The hotline provides support counseling for victims of domestic violence and provides links to 2,500 local support services for abused women. The hotline operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Call 1-800-799-7233 or (TTY) 1-800-787-3224