Get the Facts on Elder Abuse
What is elder abuse?
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention defines elder abuse as “an intentional act or failure to act that causes or creates a risk of harm to an older adult” (age 60 or older).
Elder abuse includes physical abuse, emotional/psychological abuse, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, and abandonment. Perpetrators include children, other family members, and spouses—as well as staff at nursing homes, assisted living, and other facilities.
Physical abuse means inflicting physical pain or injury upon an older adult.
Sexual abuse means touching, fondling, intercourse, or any other sexual activity with an older adult, when the older adult is unable to understand, unwilling to consent, threatened, or physically forced.
Emotional/psychological abuse means verbal assaults, threats of abuse, harassment, or intimidation.
Confinement means restraining or isolating an older adult, other than for medical reasons.
Passive neglect is a caregiver’s failure to provide an older adult with life’s necessities, including, but not limited to, food, clothing, shelter, or medical care.
Willful deprivation means denying an older adult medication, medical care, shelter, food, a therapeutic device, or other physical assistance, and exposing that person to the risk of physical, mental, or emotional harm—except when the older, competent adult has expressed a desire to go without such care.
Financial exploitation means the misuse or withholding of an older adult’s resources by another.
How many older Americans are abused?
While pre-pandemic sources estimated approximately one in 10 Americans age 60+ have experienced some form of elder abuse, a more recent study found that 1 in 5 older adults reported elder abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic. Another study estimated that only 1 in 24 cases of abuse are reported to authorities.
Who are the abusers of older adults?
Abusers are both women and men, and people of all ages. An analysis of calls to the National Center on Elder Abuse resource line found that family members were the perpetrators in nearly 47% of incidents. Medical (non-family) caregivers were perpetrators in almost 13% of cases, while only 6.7% of callers did not know their abuser.
What makes an older adult vulnerable to abuse?
Social isolation and mental impairment (such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease ) are two factors. Recent studies show that nearly half of those with dementia experienced abuse or neglect. Interpersonal violence also occurs at disproportionately higher rates among adults with disabilities.
What are the warning signs of elder abuse?
What are the effects of elder abuse?
Abuse and neglect can have serious physical and psychological effects on older adults. Survivors report higher rates of depression and social withdrawal, leading to increased hospitalization and premature death.
The annual losses incurred by older adults who are victims of financial abuse total over $28 billion each year. Elder financial abuse extends beyond the immediate losses as well; family caregivers and social safety net programs often have to assist with paying for care when an older loved one is exploited.
Are there criminal penalties for the abusers?
Most states have penalties for those who victimize older adults. Increasingly, across the country, law enforcement officers and prosecutors are trained on elder abuse and ways to use criminal and civil laws to bring abusers to justice. Review state-specific elder justice laws on the Elder Abuse Guide for Law Enforcement (EAGLE) website.
If an older adult is in immediate, life-threatening danger, call 911. Anyone who suspects that an older adult is being mistreated should contact a local Adult Protective Services office, Long-Term Care Ombudsman, or police. NCEA describes various ways to Get Help if you suspect abuse, and more information is available from the Eldercare Locator online or by calling 1-800-677-1116.
How can elder abuse be prevented?
It’s important to remember that elder abuse can happen to anyone. Educating older adults, professionals, caregivers, and the public on abuse is critical to prevention. If you’re an older adult, you can stay safe by:
Taking care of your health
Seeking professional help for drug, alcohol, and depression concerns and urging family members to get help for these problems
Attending support groups for spouses and learning about domestic violence services
Planning for your own future. With a power of attorney or a living will, you can address health care decisions now to avoid confusion and family problems later. Seek independent advice from someone you trust before signing any documents
Staying active in the community and connected with friends and family. This will decrease social isolation, which has been connected to elder abuse
Posting and opening your own mail
Not giving personal information over the phone
Using direct deposit for all checks
Having your own phone
Reviewing your will periodically
Knowing your rights. If you engage the services of a paid or family caregiver, you have the right to voice your preferences and concerns. If you live in a nursing home, call your Long-Term Care Ombudsman. The ombudsman is your advocate and has the power to intervene.
Click here to view the original article: Get the Facts on Elder Abuse