June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month, bringing attention to the often unnoticed horrors that older adults face every day. It’s important to recognize this abuse, neglect and exploitation, which is often brought on by the family and caregivers closest to them. Read more to learn about elder abuse and what can be done about it.
Understanding elder abuse
Elder abuse is defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as an intentional act or failure to act that causes or creates a risk of harm to an older adult. The United States Department of Justice estimates that over 10% of those age 65 and up experience some kind of elder abuse in any given year. The five subtypes of elder abuse are physical abuse, psychological abuse, financial exploitation, neglect and sexual abuse.
Physical abuse involves unnecessary bodily harm, while psychological abuse includes verbal attacks that make the subject feel embarrassed, threatened or afraid for their safety. Financial exploitation is the improper use of the elder’s funds, property or assets. Neglect involves the caretaker abandoning the older adult when they’re supposed to help them with something, such as grocery shopping or showering. Sexual abuse includes the elder being touched, or forced to touch their abuser, in a sexual way against their will.
Though any adult over the age of 60 can legally be a victim of elder abuse, it’s most common against those with dementia or cognitive impairment, physical disabilities, social isolation or high dependence on their caregivers. These factors make the older adult more vulnerable, less capable to live on their own and easier to take advantage of. Elder abuse mainly comes from family members or caregivers of the victim, as they’re the closest individuals to them and have the most power over them.
Recognizing warning signs
There are many warning signs of elder abuse, both physical and behavioral. Physical signs may include bruises, burns or broken bones, sudden weight loss, dirty clothes, bad hygiene or untreated medical issues. Behavioral signs may include increased feelings of fear, anxiety or depression, acting avoidant or becoming withdrawn for no apparent reason. These can all hint at the fact that an elder is not being taken care of properly.
The warning signs may also arise in the form of financial red flags. This can mean missing money or belongings, unpaid bills, strange withdrawals from bank accounts, fraudulent signatures on financial paperwork or sudden changes in wills and power of attorney. These signs may reveal that someone close to the elder is trying to profit off their vulnerability.
Warning signs can also be reflected in the victim’s caregiver. The caregiver may refuse to leave the elder alone with visitors, act aggressive towards them, control their conversations, keep them from seeing friends and family or take away their ability to reach them by phone. Through these acts, the caregiver may be attempting to isolate the elder. This is a common tactic by caregivers to gain control over their victim without being noticed.
Prevention strategies for families and caregivers
It is possible to prevent elder abuse. The best way to do so is to ensure the elder has a safe, secure living arrangement with a strong circle of friends and family. Abusers are much less likely to prey on someone that has people regularly checking on them. As they confirm the elder’s physical and emotional well-being, the friends and family should also make it a practice to confirm there’s nothing unusual about their medications and finances.
As a family member, you should also make sure to have open communication with both the elder and their caregiver. This means including the elder in decision-making so they’re aware of what to expect each day and can recognize when something’s off. It also means reviewing the caregiver’s plans and checking in frequently to make sure they’re following them. These steps will hold the caregiver accountable and make it easier to spot any abuse.
How to get help and report concerns
Here in California, each county has an Adult Protective Services (APS) agency that can investigate reports of abuse. To reach them, call (833) 401-0832 and when prompted, enter your 5-digit zip code. For abuse in nursing homes or assisted living, call the Long-Term Care Ombudsman CRISISline at (800) 231-4024. To report financial abuse, call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at (833) 372-8311. If the elder is in immediate danger, call 911.
If you’re able, make sure to document any evidence of elder abuse you can. This may include dated photographs of injuries or unhealthy living conditions, medical and financial records and witness statements. Any of these can be helpful to present when reporting an elder abuse case.
Even after the victim is removed from the abusive situation, it’s important they find resources to help them through the legal fallout and mental repercussions. APS can get the victim into a stable environment and connect them to counseling, advocacy services and community groups. The Elder Protection Center is another strong resource that helps victims find legal aid in obtaining a restraining order, contesting a will, reporting abuse or suing for damages.