Imagine millions of seniors silently facing neglect and exploitation every year – that’s the hidden reality of elder abuse, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But here’s the good news: we can change that. By learning how to recognize even the subtle signs and taking action, we can create a community where seniors feel safe, respected, and empowered. Here’s how to detect elder abuse and the best way you should report it:
Types of Elder Abuse
Elder abuse is broken down into these categories:
- Abandonment: Leaving a senior alone without providing their proper care
- Confinement: Restraining or intentionally isolating a senior for non-medical reasons
- Emotional Abuse: Yelling, threatening, intimidating, harassing, or repeatedly ignoring a senior. Keeping a senior from their friends and family counts as emotional abuse, too.
- Financial Exploitation: Stealing or withholding a senior’s resources
- Physical Abuse: Inflicting physical harm by hitting or pushing
- Sexual Abuse: Forcing a senior to watch or engage in sexual acts, often when they’re unable to understand or consent
- Willful Deprivation: Denying medication, medical care, food, shelter, or physical assistance. If a senior who’s competent has expressed to go without this kind of care, that can count as an exception.
Impact
Financial abuse is the most common form of elder abuse, followed by physical abuse, neglect, and emotional abuse. Nearly 90% of all elder abuse cases happen in a private home. Though that abuse can come from an at-home caregiver, most abuse is committed by a senior’s family members.
Identifying Abuse
Recognizing abuse isn’t always easy. It’s important to look for:
- Personality or behavioral changes including withdrawal from normal activities, depression, or sudden alertness
- Bruises, cuts, or burns
- Unexpected financial changes
- Neglected needs, poor hygiene, or sudden weight loss
- Arguments or a strained relationship between the senior and their caregiver
What to Do if You Suspect Abuse
While elder abuse can be a daunting issue, we’re not powerless in the fight against it. If you suspect a senior is being mistreated, you can be their champion. Notify Adult Protective Services or your local authorities if you witness suspicious behavior. Don’t underestimate the impact of your concern – it could be the lifeline they need.
Seniors experiencing abuse often blame themselves, so offer compassionate support and understanding. Local support agencies can connect them with valuable resources, including counseling tailored to their specific needs. Together, by acknowledging the seriousness of elder abuse and taking action, we can build a safer community for our loved ones.
