Elder abuse is a widespread problem, and all too often it goes underreported. In fact, the National Council on Aging estimates that only about 1 in 24 cases of elder abuse are reported to the authorities.
Even more concerning, perpetrators of elder abuse are often people close to the victim who you might not suspect: family members, a spouse, a child, trusted advisors, or caregivers.
This tragic reality makes it critical for mandated reporters and professionals who work with the elderly to know how to identify elder abuse so that it can be reported immediately.
Learn how to identify the five most common types of elder abuse.
Identifying Physical Abuse
Physical abuse is defined as the use of physical force or coercion resulting in injury, impairment, or physical pain.
Seniors suffering physical abuse will often leave physical signs such as:
- Dehydration
- Unusual weight loss
- Missing daily living aids, such as glasses or a cane
- Unexplained injuries, including bruises, cuts, pressure marks, and sores
- Serious injuries, such as broken bones, abrasions, and burns
Identifying Neglect
Neglect refers to a caregiver’s or other individual’s failure or refusal to fulfill their obligations to care for an elder. This includes a failure to provide food, shelter, health care, or protection. Self-neglect is also reportable; an elderly person who is unable to provide for their own basic needs will also demonstrate signs of neglect.
Signs of neglect include:
- Unusual weight loss
- Bedsores
- Unattended medical needs
- Poor hygiene
- Unsanitary living conditions
Identifying Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse includes the infliction of anguish, pain, or distress either verbally or nonverbally. Abandonment or forced isolation (keeping an elderly person from seeing friends or family) are other forms of emotional abuse.
To identify emotional abuse, watch for signs such as:
- Isolation
- Fear or anxiety
- Depression
- Withdrawal from normal activities
- Strained or tense relationships
- Frequent arguments between the senior and their caregiver
- Unusual changes in behavior or sleep patterns
Identifying Financial Abuse
Financial abuse is defined as the illegal or improper use of a senior’s funds or assets. It’s important to note that this also includes the improper use of conservatorship or power of attorney.
Watch for signs of financial abuse such as:
- Fraudulent signatures on documents
- Unpaid bills
- Unusual or sudden changes in spending patterns
- Failure to keep appointments
- Sudden changes to a will or other financial documents
Financial abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of income. Priscilla Presley’s lawsuit alleging elder financial abuse is a sobering reminder that elder financial exploitation is a real and pervasive threat—even for those who might seem financially secure or well-connected.
Identifying Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is defined as non-consensual sexual contact of any kind with an older adult, including, but not limited to, touching, intercourse, or other sexual activity where the older adult is unable or unwilling to consent.
Signs of sexual abuse of an elder can include difficulty moving or sitting, which can be caused by bruises or injury to the genital area.
Elder Abuse Prevention Training and Resources
Understanding how to properly identify and report elder abuse is vital in helping to protect the safety and security of your senior relatives, loved ones, and the aging adults under your care or supervision.
Find training: training can help you better understand the issue of elder abuse, how to identify the signs, and give you the information you need to report and stop abuse from happening. Online Elder Abuse Prevention training is available at the Mandated Reporter Training platform.
Find resources: The National Council on Aging (NCOA) delivers the resources, tools, best practices, and advocacy to ensure that every person can age with health and economic well-being. For more resources to help ensure the well-being of aging adults, visit NCOA.org.
