Signs of Elder Abuse & How to Get Help

When most people hear the word “abuse,” they think of children and/or domestic violence — but few think of elder abuse. However, elder abuse has long been an issue in the United States, and it is growing.

There are four main types of elder abuse, including physical (also encompassing sexual), emotional and psychological, neglect, and financial abuse. Sadly, the majority of victims are dependent upon their abuser for the most basic of needs, which can make it difficult to protect themselves or report the abuse.

Approximately 1 in 10 Americans 60 years old and above have experienced some form of elder abuse, according to the National Council on Aging (NCOA). Elder abuse statistics are shocking, with as many as 5 million people affected by elder abuse every year, per Nursing Home Abuse Justice. However, many instances of elder abuse may never be reported.

Families, friends, and loved ones may place an elder in a care facility, assuming that they’re being properly taken care of and have no idea of what’s actually happening. Abusers can be found in any type of elder care facility, no matter how costly.

Anyone can commit elder abuse, but some of the most common culprits are family members and nursing home staff. In 6 out of 10 cases, the NCOA found, a family member is responsible — most often a spouse or adult child.

Similarly, any elder may be subjected to elder abuse, but particularly vulnerable are those who are socially isolated or mentally impaired, such as those with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Elder Abuse Signs

Some of the most common signs of elder abuse and neglect can include physical signs, such as:

• Bed sores
• Pressure sores
• Fractures from falls
• Malnutrition
• Dehydration
• Malnourishment or weight loss
• Poor hygiene
• Chronic infections (especially urinary tract infections, or UTIs)

Signs of elder abuse can also include subtler signs, like arguments or signs of tension between the elder and their caregiver, sudden changes in the elder’s personality, depression, and more. There may be withdrawal from family members or friends, or unexplained transactions or loss of money.

A lesser-known type of elder abuse is antipsychotic drug misuse, where patients are giving inappropriate medications, often as a method of chemically restraining them to make them easier to handle. This is a dangerous practice, as antipsychotics can carry with them significant side effects, placing patients at serious risk.

Signs of elder abuse may be confused for early signs of dementia or simply seen as a side effect of a person’s frailty. The abuser might explain the abuse signs in a way that makes perfect sense — oftentimes, elder abuse can look a lot like mental deterioration. Even if the person offering up excuses is a family member, it’s always wise to question things.

Getting Help

If you suspect elder abuse, it’s important to get legal protection and have an elder law attorney in your corner. However, the first step is getting immediate help for the victim.

Even if you only suspect abuse, it’s better to act and get help how rather than ignore a potential problem. Particularly if you’re not close to the elderly person (and don’t want to “cause trouble”) or if you don’t live nearby, it can be challenging to take action — but it could save a life and save a vulnerable person from being terrorized or taken advantage of day after day.