Elder Abuse

Elder abuse refers to any intentional or neglectful act by a caregiver or other individual that causes harm to an older adult. It is a significant public health concern, affecting millions of older adults worldwide.

Types of Elder Abuse

• Physical Abuse: Inflicting physical pain or injury, such as hitting, pushing, or restraining.
• Emotional Abuse: Causing emotional distress, such as yelling, threatening, or isolating the individual.
• Financial Abuse: Misusing or exploiting an older adult's financial resources, such as stealing money or property.
• Neglect: Failing to provide necessary care, such as food, water, shelter, or medical attention.
• Sexual Abuse: Forcing or coercing an older adult into unwanted sexual activity.

Risk Factors

Certain factors increase the risk of elder abuse, including:

• Social isolation
• Dementia or cognitive impairment
• Physical disability or dependence on others for care
• Poverty or financial instability
• Lack of social support or family involvement

Signs and Symptoms

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of elder abuse is crucial to providing help and support. These may include:

• Unexplained injuries, such as bruises or broken bones
• Changes in behavior, such as withdrawal or anxiety
• Unusual financial transactions or missing funds
• Poor hygiene or living conditions
• Malnutrition or dehydration

Prevention and Intervention

To prevent elder abuse, it is essential to:

• Stay connected with older adults and maintain social relationships
• Monitor financial transactions and ensure proper management of assets
• Provide education and resources on elder abuse prevention
• Support caregivers and provide respite care when needed
• Report suspected cases of elder abuse to authorities

Reporting Elder Abuse

If you suspect elder abuse, report it to:

• National Adult Protective Services (APS) hotline: 1-800-677-1116
• Local law enforcement or authorities
• State or local APS agencies

Resources

For more information and support, visit:

• National Institute on Aging (NIA): https://www.nia.nih.gov/
• Administration for Community Living (ACL): https://acl.gov/
• National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA): https://ncea.acl.gov/