How to Recognize Elder Abuse

Abuse of the elderly is not always so dramatic and easy to spot as in this picture.

Tens of thousands of older people are abused annually by family, friends, caregivers and institutions. The abuse can range from physical to emotional to financial to sexual. Virtually, there isn't any form of abuse that has not been inflicted on the elderly. In this article I will examine the major types of elder abuse and how to recognize them--and provide some information on what you can do about it.

Things You'll Need

• A level of "suspicion" that the elder in question does not seem "right" in some way
• A calm and supportive way of speaking to the older person about your concerns
• Knowledge of your local resources for abused elders

Instructions

1. Physical abuse is typically the kind of abuse many people think of when it comes to abuse in general, and older people are no exception to the rule. The abuse can be obvious like hitting or shoving, but also more subtle such as inappropriate use of medications, withholding of medications, inappropriate use of physical or chemical restraints or prolonged confinement from society/family.

2. Emotional abuse of the elderly is abuse that can cause shame, pain and emotional damage. The abuser may yell, scream or threaten the elder. The threats can range from not allowing family/friends to visit to withholding food and/or medications to harming the elder's pets or family members.

3. Sadly, sexual abuse of the elderly does occur. It can involve direct, nonconsensual sexual contact with the older person, showing the the older person pornographic materials or forcing them to watch sexual activities.

4. Financial abuse of the elderly is all too common and can involve direct stealing of money or property, diverting funds from the older person to the abuser or blackmail situations in which the elder is forced to give money/property to protect him/herself or loved ones.

5. Call your local police, Council on Aging or other resources and explore your options for helping an elderly person you suspect or have proof is being abused.

   You can also call Eldercare Locator at 1 [phone]. The agent who answers the phone will refer you to a local agency that can help. The Eldercare Locator answers the phone Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Eastern Time.

Tips & Warnings

• Elder abuse is real and it comes in many forms. Do not assume that someone would not harm an elderly person.

• Find out your local resources pertaining to elder abuse before a situation happens, so you have information prior to any potential incident.

• The range of elder abuse, like child and partner abuse, is wide and staggering. It is safe to say that nothing is off limits when people decide to abuse other people.

• Never confront the probable abuser alone, in order to protect not only your own safety, but that of the older person.

Resources

• Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interests of the Elderly (CARIE)
• National Center for Elder Abuse