How To Spot And Report The Most Common Forms Of Elder Abuse
Author: Home Helpers Home Care
Mistreatment of elders is sadly more common than one might think. In reality, elder abuse is a critical public health issue that can have serious physical, emotional, and financial consequences for all involved.
According to the National Council on Aging, about 1 in 10 adults over the age of 60 have experienced some form of abuse. However, this number may be severely underestimated. Studies have suggested that only 1 in 24 cases of abuse are reported to authorities.
Who is At Risk for Elder Abuse?
Although elder abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of race, sex, or socioeconomic status, older adults without family or friends nearby and people with disabilities, memory problems, or dementia tend to be more vulnerable to abuse because they may not have someone to advocate for them or be able to advocate for themselves.
Elder Abuse is often perpetrated by individuals who are known and trusted by the victim. According to an analysis of calls to the National Center on Elder Abuse Resources Line, 47% of incidents were caused by relatives.
Types of Elder Abuse
The best way to combat elder abuse is by educating seniors, professionals, family Caregivers, and the public about the warning signs. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, below are the most common forms of elder abuse and what to look out for.
- PHYSICAL – Physical abuse, according to the American Psychological Association, is deliberate aggressive or violent behavior that causes bodily harm to another person. Examples include pushing, hitting, slapping, or restraining a person against their will. This could also include non-consensual contact or unwanted advances. Victims of physical abuse may have unexplained pressure marks, bruises, burns, cuts, scars, or broken/fractured bones.
- EMOTIONAL – Emotional or psychological abuse occurs when someone insults, humiliates, uses verbal threats, creates situations of fear, or ignores another person within their care. Emotional abuse typically requires a pattern of behavior that intimidates the victim to inflict control over them. Someone who may be emotionally abused may experience mood changes, depression, agitation, difficulty sleeping or may isolate or withdraw from their usual activities.
- NEGLECT – Neglectful abuse or abandonment happens by purposefully not providing someone’s basic needs such as food, water, shelter, clothing, hygiene, and essential medical care. Victims of neglect might have unexplained weight loss, live in unsafe or unhygienic conditions or may not have access to their usual medical equipment like glasses, a walker, hearing aids or other assistive devices.
- FINANCIAL ABUSE – Financial abuse or exploitation is stealing money or personal belongings from someone. This includes cyber scams, forging checks, using credit cards without someone’s permission, taking benefits such as Social Security or convincing a vulnerable person to give away their belongings. A big indicator that someone is a victim of financial abuse is if there are sudden or unexplained changes to someone’s financial situation or if they have unpaid bills despite having adequate financial resources.
How to Report Elder Abuse
In the U.S., some states mandate professionals such as doctors, nurses, social service workers, law enforcement, clergy, and others to report suspected abuse. However, anyone can and should report suspected abuse.
If you think someone you know is being abused, it’s best to talk with them when the two of you are alone and offer to take them to get help. Many older adults are too ashamed to report mistreatment. Or they’re afraid if they make a report, it will get back to the abuser and make the situation worse. If this is the case, then report what you see to an authority. Remember, you do not personally need to prove that abuse is occurring.
Many local, state, and national social service agencies can help. These include:
- Adult Protective Services (APS) helps protect vulnerable older adults over 60 from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA), a national non-profit with members in all 50 states, D.C. and the territories, is a great resource for contact information for local APS resources in your area.
- The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) serves as a national resource center dedicated to the prevention of elder mistreatment. The organization provides the latest information and resources on research, training, policy, and best practices on preventing and responding to elder mistreatment.
- Long-term care ombudsmen advocate for the needs of people who live in assisted living facilities, board and care homes, and nursing homes. They are trained to help resolve problems related to health, safety, and quality of life in long-term care settings.
If you think someone is in urgent danger, immediately call 911.
How Home Helpers® Home Care Can Help
The “golden years” should be a time in which individuals can enjoy life and age in place with dignity. No one should be fearful of their safety because of abusive situations. Home Helpers® Home Care is committed to being an advocate for older adults who are susceptible to abuse.
For over 25 years, we have provided compassionate in-home care for seniors, Veterans, new moms and families, and those with disabilities, illness, or recovering from injury or surgery. Our services and care plans are customizable, so you receive just the right amount of care and can be adjusted as needs change.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SERVICES, CONTACT US TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE IN-HOME CARE ASSESSMENT OR FIND AN AGENCY NEAR YOU.