What Is Elder Abuse and the National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse?

Elder abuse is the maltreatment, neglect or inflictted harm of senior citizens. Reports of abuse that are passed on to authorities for investigation each year range from 500,000 to over 1 million cases, and an estimated 84 percent go unreported, according to the National Committee for Prevention of Elder Abuse (NCPEA). The NCPEA was established in 1988 to help curtail the exploitation of seniors who are not in positions to fight for themselves.

Signs & Types of Abuse

• Physical abuse of an elderly person should be suspected in the case of unexplained bruises, broken bones, sprains or discoloration on the wrists, which may indicate physical restraint. Emotional abuse is defined as talking down to the elder person by the caregiver, or the use of scorn or continuous mental cruelty. Elders show increased signs of dementia when emotional abuse is occurring. Sexual abuse is physical, sexual contact with the elder without his or her consent. Signs of sexual abuse are stained or bloody undergarments, bruises on the breasts or genital areas, infections or venereal diseases. Financial abuse is the blatant theft and misuse of bank accounts, income checks or the elder's possessions. Signs of financial abuse are unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts, financial activity the elder couldn't have done, tampering with signatures or unpaid bills.

Risk Factors

• Nonprofessional caregivers such as spouses, children, grandchildren or other relatives who take on the responsibility of caring for an elder might view the task as a burden. As the elder's health deteriorates and care needs increase, the duty can become too much for the family to deal with and the elder runs a higher risk to be abused. Frustration and resentment become the norm and the family will take it out on the senior as a result. Elder abuse by professional caregivers is also common. Home health aids and long-term facilities, such as nursing homes, are not exempt from the mistreatment of seniors. Risk factors for elder abuse in professional care include burnout, lack of patience by the caregiver, stress levels and being overworked.

Prevention

• Reporting elder abuse cases is the most effective way to prevent future instances. Agencies such as the NCPEA are in place to respond and assist with handling elder abuse. Adult protective services workers and programs are available on a state level and can be called in to investigate a problem or report of abuse. Law enforcement personnel can ensure the safety for the senior and also reprimand and bring up charges against an abusive caregiver. Media attention helps bring awareness to the problem and educates the public about it, which encourages more victims to seek help.

NCPEA

• The NCPEA, dedicated to the protection, security and dignity of seniors, is comprised of researchers, practitioners, educators and advocates for the elderly and adults with disabilities. The NCPEA is a part of the National Center on Elder Abuse, an organization funded by Congress and responsible for disseminating information and materials about abuse and neglect of seniors.

Function

• The National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, a nonprofit organization, is committed to research, prevention, intervention, and education regarding the issue of elder abuse. Educational programs and informational materials are developed from the research the committee does on elder abuse for use by practitioners and facilities to help in decreasing instances. The committee also uses the educational materials for the purpose of informing the public on the issue, spreading awareness to prevent the mistreatment of elders.