Recognizing Elder Abuse

It’s believed that roughly 10 percent of adults 65 and older experience some form of elder abuse. Abuse can have long-lasting effects, and understanding the signs of abuse can help you identify an elder who may be in trouble.

What is Elder Abuse?

Elder abuse is intentional harm, whether physical or emotional or exploitation of an older adult. Abuse can happen to any senior, and abusers can be anyone known to the older adult. Unfortunately, abuse can happen among families and in care situations, so it’s important to be observant of seniors in your life.

Signs and symptoms of elder abuse can vary depending on the senior and the type of abuse they’re experiencing. A few things you may notice include physical markings like bruises, unexplained injuries, signs of depression or anxiety, living in unclean conditions, changes in mood, or changes in financial spending.

Types of Elder Abuse

There are many types of abuse that a senior may experience. The most commonly reported types of abuse include physical, emotional, financial, and neglect.

Physical

Physical abuse is physical acts of violence against an older adult. Physical abuse can include hitting, slapping, or pushing. Not all physical abuse leaves marks, so while bruises or broken bones are a sign, a person can experience physical abuse and not have marks.

Mental/Emotional/Psychological

Emotional or psychological abuse is when someone uses verbal or nonverbal actions to strike fear or distress in an older adult. Psychological abuse can include name-calling, gaslighting, or putting a person down. It can be challenging to know if someone is being emotionally abused unless you see it happen. However, signs of depression or withdrawal from a senior may signify something is going on.

Financial

Financial abuse occurs when a senior’s money is stolen or misused by another person. It can include withdrawing money from a senior’s account without their permission or being coerced into including someone in a will or trust. If someone is experiencing financial abuse, there may be unauthorized purchases on credit cards or strange spending habits within their bank account. Another alarming sign is a sudden change of will or giving someone access to money they don’t need.

Neglect

Neglect is leaving a senior to care for themselves when they are physically or mentally unable to do so. There are often physical and mental signs of neglect, like bed sores, bruising, depression, and anxiety. Neglect is common among seniors with cognitive challenges like dementia.

What to Do if I Suspect Elder Abuse

If you suspect any abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a senior, report it to the Arizona Department of Economic Security’s Adult Protective Services department. This department investigates abuse claims, in some cases including self-neglect, and can help them find the resources and help they need to stay safe.

Contact local authorities if you suspect an older adult is in imminent harm.

Your Senior is Always Safe with Visiting Angels

If you’re concerned about a loved one’s safety at home, it’s important to work with trusted, professional caregiving agencies such as Visiting Angels. We’re a locally owned and operated home care agency dedicated to the safety and well-being of our clients.

Our care professionals are hand-picked through our intensive interview process, which considers not only professional experience and qualifications, but personality, willingness and desire to serve others, and character traits that we know make for top-notch caregivers. Our caregivers at Visiting Angels are truly worthy of being called “Angels”!

If you’re looking for a qualified home care professional to keep your aging loved one safe, don’t hesitate to contact our office and schedule a complimentary consultation.