Elder abuse and neglect: signs and where to get help
Elder abuse can happen at home, in a relative's home or in a care facility, and it can come from someone the person trusts. This guide explains the kinds of abuse, the signs to watch for and who to contact.
General information only. This guide is not medical, legal or financial advice. Talk with a physician, and with an elder-law or financial professional where money or legal papers are involved, about your own situation.
What elder abuse is
Elder abuse is harm or neglect of an older adult. It can come from family members, caregivers, health care workers, friends or strangers.
The main kinds are:
- Physical abuse: causing bodily harm, or restraining someone against their will
- Emotional abuse: yelling, threats, hurtful words or keeping someone from family and friends
- Sexual abuse: forcing someone to take part in sexual acts
- Neglect: failing to meet a person's needs, such as food, medicine or health care
- Financial abuse: misusing or stealing a person's money or belongings
Warning signs
Signs can show up during a visit at home or in a facility. One sign alone may have another cause, so watch for a pattern and seek help if you are worried.
- Becoming withdrawn, agitated or upset
- Bruises, burns or marks that are not explained
- Bedsores, poor hygiene or unclean living conditions
- Missing glasses, hearing aids, dentures or a walker
- Sudden money losses or unpaid bills
Financial exploitation and scams
Financial abuse can come from someone the person knows, while fraud usually comes from a stranger. Both can cause serious harm, and the victim is never to blame.
The Justice Department lists warning signs such as:
- An agent under a power of attorney using the person's money for themselves
- Someone using the person's bank card or signing their name without permission
- Money meant for care bills being spent on something else
- A caller claiming to be the government, a bank or a family member in trouble, asking for money fast
- A new friend who slowly takes control of the person's money
Where to get help
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. If you are worried, talk with the person alone and offer to help them get support.
These groups can help:
- Adult Protective Services looks into abuse, neglect and exploitation. Find your local office through the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.
- The long-term care ombudsman helps with problems in nursing homes, assisted living and board and care homes.
- The National Elder Fraud Hotline, 1-833-372-8311, helps with fraud by strangers.
- Your local police or sheriff can also take a report of financial abuse.
Frequently asked questions
No. You only need to report what you have seen or heard. Trained professionals look into the report.
Yes. The long-term care ombudsman program serves residents of nursing homes, assisted living and board and care homes. Anyone can contact it with a concern.
Many people feel ashamed, or fear the abuser will find out and things will get worse. That is why family and friends often need to speak up for them.
Sources
SeniorLeaf is not affiliated with or endorsed by the organizations listed here.