As our loved ones age, their needs can change, requiring more support from family, friends, and our community members. Everyday tasks, including personal care, errands, housekeeping, financial management, and healthcare, might need more assistance. Having a reliable team to turn to is important, but it’s still crucial to maintain vigilance for potential concerns, including elder abuse.
What is Elder Abuse?
Elder abuse takes many forms. Abuse can happen through physical injury, unreasonable confinement, intimidation, or punishment that results in physical or mental harm. Financial exploitation can happen when someone uses a senior’s resources unlawfully for their own benefit.
Noticing elder abuse is critical since many cases go unreported. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, a senior may not report abuse due to fear of retaliation, a lack of cognitive or physical ability, or because they don’t want the abuser to get in trouble.
As a caregiver responsible for seniors’ safety and well-being, it’s important to report an issue if you suspect abuse.
What if I Suspect Abuse?
If you think you’ve witnessed abuse, these tips can help:
- Know the Signs
When you know the signs of elder abuse, you can determine if it’s happening. Depending on the person and what kind of abuse they’re experiencing, signs can include:
- Injuries (bruises, cuts, or burns)
- Poor hygiene, extreme weight loss, and other unattended medical concerns
- Withdrawal or depression
- Have a Conversation
Talk with them. They may feel afraid or embarrassed, but it’s important to be patient and supportive. They might be looking for someone they trust to talk to.
Sometimes, a senior may deny abuse is happening even when it’s obvious, especially if it’s coming from a family member. It’s still important to report abuse even if they deny it. Authorities can confirm whether abuse is happening and handle the situation professionally.
- Talk to Their Family and Friends
A senior’s family might be unaware they’re being abused. If their friends and family are notified, they’ll usually want to help, and that can resolve the problem faster.
- Call for Help
If you suspect elder abuse, report it. Depending on the circumstances, these resources are here to help:
- If you believe the senior needs immediate assistance or is facing a life-threatening situation, call 9-1-1.
- If you suspect the abuse isn’t life-threatening, call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116. Their operators can provide information about local resources.
- Make a Report
You don’t need to prove abuse is happening. Providing authorities with a detailed report is all you’d need to do. When making a report, remember to include:
- The senior’s contact information (name, address, phone number)
- Information about their family and caregiver
- Who you believe is the abuser
- The senior’s medical conditions (if known)
- Details about the abuse
- Your contact information
- Any additional instances of abuse after the initial report
After filing, Adult Protective Services may assign a caseworker to look further into the report.
Empower, Report, Protect
Fighting elder abuse starts with raising awareness. As a part of Elder Abuse Awareness Month, share these tips with your friends, family, and community members to secure our seniors’ safety. If you suspect a loved one is being abused, don’t hesitate to report it. We all have the power to protect.
