What Is Senior Abuse?

Senior abuse (also called elder abuse) may not garner the same attention as other forms of domestic violence, but is a very real problem that affects thousands of older Americans. Knowing the facts is key to keeping elderly people safe and helping abuse victims.

Definition

Any deliberate action or inaction that results in harm or risk of harm to an elderly person is considered abuse.

Statistics

According to a 2004 survey of state Adult Protective Services (APS), reports of senior abuse filed during 2003 were up 19.7 percent from the year 2000. In addition, 89.3 percent of reported cases occurred in a domestic setting, and 54.1 percent of alleged perpetrators were close relatives of the victim.

Physical/Sexual Abuse

Physical abuse of seniors can include hitting, shoving, deliberate under or over-medication, restraint or confinement. Sexual abuse is any unwanted sexual contact.

Emotional Abuse/Neglect

Emotional abuse includes intimidation, harassment and bullying. Neglect is the failure to meet the needs of an an elderly person in one's care, such as feeding, bathing or providing proper medication.

Financial Exploitation

Financial exploitation includes outright theft of cash or items; identity theft and forgery; and manipulating an elderly person into surrendering control of her accounts.

Signs

Some signs of senior abuse include sudden personality changes, unexplained injuries, extreme weight loss and lack of hygiene. If you suspect an elderly person is being abused, contact the Eldercare Locator at [phone].

References

• Help Guide: Elder Abuse and Neglect
• Medline Plus: Elder Abuse
• National Center of Elder Abuse: The 2004 Survey of State Adult Protective Services: Abuse of Adults 60 Years of Age and Older

Resources

• National Adult Protective Services