Physical Elderly Abuse

Tens of thousands of elderly citizens are victimized every year. As seniors age, they are less capable of standing up for themselves physically or emotionally. Whether the abuse is inflicted by family members, nursing facility staff or other caregivers, elders will exhibit recognizable signs if they are being harmed by another person.

What it is and Where it Happens

• As people age, bodies may weaken, eyesight and hearing may deteriorate and the strength of brain function may lessen. Some people take advantage of an elder's failing health and abuse or exploit the situation. Abuse most often happens right where the elderly person lives; it could be at home with a family member, or in a long-term nursing care facility.

Types of Elder Abuse

• Abuse against elders can take many forms. Physical abuse consists of intentional bodily harm to the individual, unwarranted force that can result in injury or even the forcing of unnecessary medication. Emotional abuse includes yelling at, cursing or threatening the elders, but can also include nonverbal cues, like ignoring their needs or isolating them from loved ones. If an elderly person is touched in an inappropriate way, shown pornographic images or forced to watch sex acts, it is sexual abuse. When an elder's needs go intentionally unfulfilled or the care provider is ignorant of all assistance that is required, it is considered neglect. This form accounts for nearly half of reported abuse incidents.

Financial Exploitation

• Family members, con artists or living facility staffers can take advantage of an elder's financial situation for personal gain. Caregivers can misuse the person's funds, steal money or forge a signature in order to get cash. Scammers tend to prey on the elderly and commit fraud and theft by creating a false reason to receive money, like fake charities or promises of prizes for a prepaid fee. Unethical workers in a health care facility can charge for services not rendered, overcharge, over-medicate or intentionally misdiagnose illnesses.

Signs and Symptoms

• Warning signs of elder abuse are often mistaken for signs of dementia or failing mental health. In situations of physical or sexual abuse, bruises or broken bones on the body and near the genitals are telltale signs. If the elder appears malnourished, underweight, unclean, has bedsores or wears dirty clothes, neglect may be suspected. To discover financial exploitation, periodically check withdrawals from the elder's bank account and carefully examine medical bills from care facilities.

Reporting Abuse

• Do not automatically dismiss claims of abuse by an elder and attribute it to deteriorating health. Though in some situations it can be exactly that, thousands of abuse victims never report these crimes. Many abused elders fear retaliation by the caregiver or the complete loss of health care. Abuse cases can be discussed with trusted doctors, friends, family and adult protective services. The National Center on Elder Abuse maintains hot lines in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico for reporting and preventing abuse (See Resources).

Preventing Abuse

• Steps can be taken to avoid all forms of elder abuse. Family members charged with the role of caregiver should make sure all their time is not spent alone with the person. Having friends or family members take turns can help reduce the stress that goes along with care duties. For elders in the care of a facility, it is important to listen to the elder who makes claims of abuse. Keep a close eye on medications to ensure proper dosing, and visit frequently to monitor the elder's condition. Above all, if abuse is suspected, report it immediately.