Elder Abuse and Neglect

If you or someone you know is elderly, age 60 or older, and are being hurt, you may want to talk to someone about it. You may be a victim of elder abuse that could include physical or emotional abuse, neglect, abandonment, or financial exploitation. 

It is not uncommon that you may feel reluctant to talk about what is happening to you, because the person responsible is your caretaker. You may be afraid to talk to anyone about the abuse because you may fear losing the care you need, or the caretaker may be a troubled family member and you don’t want to cause additional problems for them. Or, you may think that what happens at home is a private matter and should not be discussed outside the home. If you were a victim of a scam or fraud, it may be difficult to admit that you did not make a good choice and be in fear that family members may ‘find out’ and think that you cannot take care of yourself. Those are all normal feelings that may cause you to be afraid and not feel safe.

If you want help or just want to talk to someone about what is happening to you or someone you care about, you can call and talk with someone at your local Area on Aging Agency (AAA). The AAA has trained staff who can answer your questions and provide you with information on what services are available to you or another older adult. They can also determine if there is a need for protective services. Or, you may call the police by dialing 911 and report that you are a victim of crime and need assistance. 

Types of Elder Abuse

• Physical abuse , which can range from slapping or shoving to severe beatings and restraining with ropes or chains. When a caregiver or other person uses enough force to cause unnecessary pain or injury, even if the reason is to help the older person, the behavior can be considered abusive. Physical abuse also encompasses behaviors such as hitting, beating, pushing, shoving, kicking, pinching, burning or biting. It also includes the inappropriate use of medications and physical restraints and physical punishment of any kind.
• Verbal, emotional or psychological abuse, including yelling, swearing, threatening, making insulting or disrespectful comments or repeatedly ignoring the older adult. Psychological abuse involves any type of coercive or threatening behavior that sets up a power differential between the older adult and his or her family member or caregiver. It can also include treating the older person like a child and isolating the person from family, friends, and regular activities.
• Sexual abuse, which includes inappropriate touching, photographing the older adult in suggestive poses, forcing the person to look at pornography, and any unwanted sexualized behavior.
• Financial abuse and exploitation, which can range from misuse of an older person's funds to embezzlement. It can include forging checks, taking someone else's retirement or Social Security benefits, or using a person's credit cards and bank accounts without their permission. It also includes changing names on a will, bank account, life insurance policy, or title to a house without permission.
• Caregiver neglect, which can be intentional or unintentional, and involves intentionally failing to meet the physical, social, or emotional needs of the older person. Neglect can include failure to provide food, water, clothing, medications, and assistance with activities of daily living or help with personal hygiene.

Signs and symptoms

The older person might: 

• have bruises, burns, cuts or more serious injuries like a broken hip or cracked rib;
  
• appear dehydrated or thin and malnourished;
  
• be over-medicated, confused or shaking; or
  
• need dental care, or missing needed eye glasses.
  

The older person might act:

• afraid all the time or very nervous;
  
• withdrawn or unwilling to talk;
  
• depressed, ashamed or overly embarrassed; or
  
• confused, panicked or lost.
  

The older person’s family or caregiver might:

• neglect to provide medication or access to proper medical care;
  
• not keep the older person properly dressed or clean;
  
• display violent behavior or excessive anger; or
  
• have a problem with alcohol or drugs.
  

 Signs of financial exploitation might include:  

• sudden bank account closing or withdrawals;
  
• abrupt changes in an older person’s will; or
  
• an older person living in poverty or without proper care even though he or she has adequate financial resources.

Protective Services

Protective services are those activities, resources or supports provided to older adults under the Older Adults Protective Services Act.

Services can include but are not limited to: 

• legal services
  
• personal care services
  
• financial management
  
• emergency shelter
  
• transportation or meals
  

The local Area Agency on Aging can also provide information to help protect yourself from fraud, abuse, and neglect.

For more information on elder abuse or to report suspected elder abuse, you may call the Department of Aging Hotline at 800-490-8505. All calls are free and confidential.

You may also want to talk to an advocate in a Victim Service Program in your county. Advocates provide free services to you and can help make things easier to understand. You may still be able to receive services, even if you did not report the crime to police. The advocates are available to answer your questions and provide supportive counseling, if you would like to talk to someone about what has happened.

As an elderly victim of crime, you have the same rights within the criminal and juvenile system as all victims do. You are eligible to submit a compensation claim for reimbursement of any out-of-pocket expenses you may have as a result of a crime. For more information on filing a claim, please see the Victims Compensation Assistance Program page.