Elder abuse is an increasingly urgent issue, impacting millions of older adults worldwide. With populations aging rapidly, the mistreatment of older adults – whether physical, emotional, financial, or otherwise – is a topic that demands attention, awareness, and action. In this article, we’ll explore the types of elder abuse, its warning signs, and ways we can work to prevent it.
What is Elder Abuse?
Elder abuse refers to any action or failure to act that causes harm or distress to an older adult. This mistreatment can occur in various settings, including at home, in long-term care facilities, or in community settings. The abuse may be inflicted by family members, caregivers, or even strangers looking to exploit vulnerable individuals.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that one in six adults over the age of 60 experiences some form of abuse. This troubling statistic points to the need for increased vigilance and prevention measures as well as social supports for older adults. While exact statistics can vary, here are some key points:
Prevalence: Approximately 1 in 10 older adults experience some form of elder abuse each year.
Types of Abuse: Physical, emotional, sexual, neglect, and financial exploitation are the most common types of elder abuse.
Perpetrators: Family members, caregivers, and other individuals may perpetrate abuse.
Underreporting: Many cases of elder abuse go unreported due to fear, shame, or a lack of awareness.
Impact: Elder abuse can have severe physical, emotional, and financial consequences for victims.
It's important to note that these statistics may not fully capture the extent of the problem, as many cases of elder abuse go undetected or unreported.
Types of Elder Abuse
Elder abuse can take many forms, including:
Physical abuse: Intentional infliction of physical pain or injury.
Emotional abuse: Verbal or psychological abuse, such as insults, threats, or humiliation.
Sexual abuse: Non-consensual sexual contact of any kind.
Neglect: Failure to provide necessary care or services, such as food, water, medication, or hygiene.
Financial exploitation: Misuse or theft of an older adult's money or assets.
Signs of Elder Abuse
If you suspect that an older adult is being abused, watch for these signs:
Physical Signs:
Unexplained injuries, such as bruises, cuts, or broken bones
Poor hygiene
Malnutrition or dehydration
Sudden weight loss or gain
Signs of neglect, such as bedsores or untreated medical conditions
Emotional Signs:
Withdrawal from social activities
Changes in mood or behavior, such as depression, anxiety, or fear
Fear of certain people or situations
Apathy or lack of interest
Financial Signs:
Unusual or unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts
Missing valuables or possessions
Sudden changes in financial status
Unpaid bills or overdue accounts
Unusual activity on bank accounts or credit cards
What Older Seniors Can Do
Older adults can take steps to protect themselves from abuse:
Stay Connected: Maintain strong relationships with family, friends, and neighbors.
Be Cautious with Personal Information: Avoid sharing sensitive information with strangers.
Review Financial Records Regularly: Check bank statements and credit card bills for any unusual activity.
Create a Support Network: Have trusted friends or family members who can check in on you regularly.
Consider a Power of Attorney: Appoint a trusted person to manage your financial affairs if you become unable to do so yourself.
Know Your Rights: Educate yourself about your rights as an older adult and seek legal advice if necessary.
How to Prevent and Stop Elder Abuse
If you suspect elder abuse, here's what you can do:
Trust Your Gut: If something feels wrong, don't ignore it.
Talk to the Elder: Have a private conversation with the older adult. Ask open-ended questions and listen carefully to their responses.
Document the Abuse: Keep a record of any incidents, including dates, times, and specific details.
Contact Adult Protective Services: Report suspected abuse to your local Adult Protective Services agency. They are trained to investigate and intervene in cases of elder abuse.
Seek Legal Advice: Consult with an attorney to discuss your legal options, such as obtaining a restraining order or filing a lawsuit.
Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about the signs of elder abuse and share this information with your friends, family, and community.
By recognizing the signs of elder abuse and taking action, we can help protect our vulnerable older adults and ensure their safety and well-being.
What You Can Do To Stop Elder Abuse
Some types of elder abuse may be criminal. You do not personally need to prove that abuse is occurring; professionals will investigate. Many local, state, and national social service agencies can help. These include:
Adult Protective Services programs help protect vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The National Adult Protective Services Association provides phone numbers for programs in each state on its website or by calling 202-370-6292.
The National Center on Elder Abuse provides guidance on how to report abuse, where to get help, and state laws that deal with abuse and neglect. Visit the Center online or call 855-500-3537 for more information.
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. Find a long-term care ombudsman in your state online or by calling 202-332-2275.
For more information about elder abuse and where to get help
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Office for Older Americans
855-411-2372
Eldercare Locator
800-677-1116
National Center on Elder Abuse
855-500-3537
National Elder Fraud Hotline
833-FRAUD-11 for 833-372-8311
U.S. Department of Justice
202-514-2000
800-877-8339 (TTY)
National Adult Protective Services Association
202-370-6292
National Domestic Violence Hotline
800-799-7233 (24/7)
800-787-3224 (TTY)
This content is provided by the NIH National Institute on Aging (NIA). NIA scientists and other experts review this content to ensure it is accurate and up to date.
Content reviewed: Sept 21, 2024
More Free Online Violence Prevention and Self Defense Education
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, our mission is to prevent violence by building skills and inspiring individuals to be agents of personal, community & cultural change.
The Center for Violence Prevention and Self Defense (CVPSD) offers a variety of public training programs designed to empower individuals with practical self-defense skills and violence prevention strategies. These classes are open to anyone looking to improve their personal safety, ranging from beginners to those with prior experience. The courses focus on a holistic approach to self-defense, covering essential topics like verbal de-escalation, situational awareness, and setting boundaries, alongside physical defense techniques. Participants are taught how to recognize and respond to potential threats while maintaining a calm and confident demeanor. Whether through workshops, seminars, or hands-on classes, CVPSD provides the tools and knowledge needed to navigate real-world scenarios safely and effectively. These public offerings ensure that people of all backgrounds have access to life-saving skills that can help prevent violence in their everyday lives.