Unfortunately, adults over 65 are vulnerable to various types of elder abuse. These include:
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Psychological abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Financial abuse
- Financial exploitation
- Neglect
- Self-neglect
In some cases, the only person in a position to help is the very one committing the abuse. The abuser can include professional caregivers, healthcare professionals, nursing home staff, friends, or even close family members. Older adults often feel trapped and alone when the abuser is someone they trust.
However, there are ways that you can help prevent mistreatment. One way is by reporting suspected cases of elder abuse to the authorities. To do so, you'll have to know the warning signs.
Physical Abuse
There are common signs of abuse. If you can identify them, you might save someone's life.
Physical abuse is the intentional use of force that results in pain, injury, or impairment to an older victim.
It can include:
- Striking (with or without an object)
- Shaking or inappropriately restraining a victim
- Intentionally giving inappropriate medications to a victim
- Force-feeding a victim
- Other abusive acts or mistreatment
Physical Signs of Abuse
Domestic violence or physical abuse typically leaves signs on the body. These may be hidden or purposefully placed under clothing or unseen areas:
- Bruising (multicolored bruising can indicate bruising over time)
- Lacerations, punctures, or welts
- Sprains, dislocations, fractures, or broken bones
- Burn marks
- Recurring or unexplained injuries
- Poorly treated or untreated injuries
- Injuries in areas usually covered by clothing
- Poor skin condition/hygiene
- Hair loss
- Dehydration or malnutrition
- Weight loss
- Soiled clothing or bedding
- An unclean environment (smells of feces or urine)
- Depression or withdrawal
- Hesitation to talk openly
- Fearfulness of caregivers
- Confusing or contradictory statements or accounts of injuries
- Unexplained agitation
- Denial of injuries
Sudden changes to someone's physical appearance, mood, or actions should be a warning sign to loved ones and medical care professionals.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse refers to sexual contact with an older person that is non-consensual. An older person who lacks mental capacity cannot grant consent.
Sexual abuse of older adults includes forced nudity or taking sexually explicit photographs, unwanted touching, sexual battery, or rape.
Signs of Sexual Abuse
- Torn or stained undergarments
- Bruising on the breasts or genitals
- Unexplained bleeding from the genital or anal area
- Difficulty walking or sitting
- Unexplained genital infections or sexually transmitted diseases
- Unusual behavior (withdrawn or overly aggressive)
- Inappropriate interactions between the victim and the perpetrator
Psychological Abuse or Emotional Abuse
Psychological or emotional abuse is the intentional infliction of anguish, pain, or distress through either verbal or non-verbal conduct.
Signs of Psychological or Emotional Abuse
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
- Increased levels of stress (higher blood pressure)
- Increased health problems
- Problems sleeping
- Depressed, withdrawn, or confused
- Visibly fearful in the presence of the perpetrator
- Non-responsive
- Displays unusual behavior or nervous tics (rocking, biting, scratching, etc.)
Financial Abuse or Exploitation
Older Adult financial abuse or exploitation is the illegal or improper use of an older person's assets.
This can include manipulating an older person's bank accounts, real property, or other financial interests. It also includes pressuring an older person to take action, such as signing estate planning documents. It includes identity theft, fraud, and phone or email scams.
Signs of Financial Abuse or Exploitation
- New "best friends"
- Family or friends who were previously distant now appear to be more involved.
- Suspicious signatures on accounts
- New names added to accounts or property titles
- Recently signed legal documents that an older person cannot explain
- Recent (and perhaps multiple) revisions to an estate plan
- Withdrawals or transfers that an older person cannot explain
- Possessions go missing
- Mail for an older adult's various financial accounts has been redirected to a new address
- Unpaid bills and notices of default or eviction
- New and unnecessary services are provided
- Services seem inadequate when compared to the size of an older adult's estate
- Confusion and lack of understanding about financial arrangements
- The constant need to consult another person before making financial decisions
- Embarrassment or feelings of guilt
- Increased levels of stress and anxiety
- Isolation from loved ones (from pressure by the perpetrator or self-isolation)
Neglect and Self-Neglect
Neglect is a caregiver's refusal to provide for the necessary care of an older person. It can be intentional or unintentional.
On the other hand, elder self-neglect is the lack of necessary care for an older adult without any third-party perpetrator—the neglect results from the older person's own action or inaction.
Signs of Neglect or Self-Neglect
- Poor personal hygiene (dirty nails/skin, matted or lice-infested hair, presence of feces or urine)
- Bedsores or skin rashes
- Untreated infections or unattended injuries
- Dehydration or malnutrition
- Weight loss
- Unsanitary living conditions (foul odors, animal/insect infestations, piles of trash)
- Unsafe living conditions (inadequate plumbing, heating/air, ventilation, disrepair)
- Lack of food in the residence
- Inadequate or unclean clothing
- Lack of medical aids (hearing aids, glasses, dentures)
- Unpaid bills
- Emotionally detached
- Refusal to seek outside help
- Self-destructive
- Inadequate or inconsistent sleep
- Sudden loss of appetite that is not related to any medical conditions
Reporting Elder Abuse and Neglect
If you suspect that an older person is being abused, it's important to immediately report the abuse to your local Adult Protective Services (APS) or your local law enforcement agency.
For more information on reporting, see FindLaw's Reporting Elder Abuse.
Taking Legal Action for Older Adult Abuse
There may also be legal remedies available to victims of older adult abuse. Abuse laws vary by state, so you should contact an attorney specializing in older adult law.
They can help you determine what legal remedies are available. To find an elder law attorney near you, use FindLaw's attorney directory.