Elder Abuse

By 2050, 20% of all people will be the age of 65 or older. As the age of our country increases, so will the population of elders being abused.

Fast Facts

Roughly 1-2 million persons over the age of 65 have been abused, mistreated, or exploited by a caregiver
About 90% of perpetrators are family members of the victim
Elders above the age of 80 are more likely to be abused than those under the age of 80
Dementia is a risk factor for abuse

Types of Abuse That Elders May Face

Types of abuse may include:
Physical Abuse
Sexual Abuse
Emotional Abuse
Neglect
Abandonment
Financial Abuse

Financial Abuse

The illegal and improper use of an elder's funds, property/assets, checks, ATM, or credit cards

Look for:
Unusual bank account activity
Missing personal property
Loans or gifts to abuser
Addition of names on bank accounts
Changes in property titles or a will

Neglect

Can be active (intentional withholding), passive (failure to provide basic necessities), or self-inflicted

Look for:
Dirty, unkempt appearance
Untreated bedsores
Loss of weight, functioning levels
Complaints of hunger and thirst
Soiled clothing or bedding
Unsafe, unclean living conditions

Abandonment

Desertion of an elder by an individual with the responsibility to provide care for, or who has physical custody of the elder

Look for:
Sudden departure of a caregiver
No activity in or around the elder's home
Phone calls going unanswered
Mail or newspapers piling up

*Note: can occur in a hospital, a nursing home, or in the home