Seniors can be some of the most resilient people on the planet, though that doesn’t mean they’re immune to a range of targeted exploitation. It’s a startling statistic, but according to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), 1 in 10 seniors have experienced some form of elder abuse. With nearly 5 million seniors in danger of abuse each year, recognizing elder abuse can be the first step to keep seniors out of harm’s way.
It could happen to anyone: a friend, a loved one, or even someone in your neighborhood. Many people struggle with whether or not to speak up about abuse because they are unsure their suspicions are correct. To start recognizing elder abuse, it’s important to understand the different types of abuse so you know how to address the problem. Below, we’ve listed hte 5 most common types of elder abuse.
5 Types of Elder Abuse
1. Physical Abuse
As one of the more commonly recognized forms of elder abuse, the signs will be outwardly displayed in most cases. Unfortunately, the abusers themselves are most likely to be people close to the victim, such as a caregiver or someone attending to a senior’s needs. Common signs include:
- Bruising
- Fractures
- Burns
- General Abrasions
- Pressure Marks
When asking about visual signs of physical elder abuse, do so with caution and compassion – this is an extremely sensitive subject, especially if the suspicions are true. Gauging an alleged abuser’s reaction to the situation can be a telltale sign of whether they’ve rehearsed a story and are trying to cover up their abuse.
2. Neglect
Although passive neglect can be unintentional or the result of untrained caregivers, it’s also possible that someone is systematically avoiding care of an elder in order exploit their resources. It can happen when a senior’s basic needs aren’t being met – lack of medication, the unavailability of assistive equipment like wheelchairs, walkers, or canes, and subjecting them to excessive solitude. Signs can include:
- Unchanged, dirty clothing
- Lack of bathing
- Soiled diapers
- Bedsores
- Unusual, rapid weight loss
3. Verbal / Emotional Abuse
Because some victims may be unable to convey this form of abuse due to conditions like dementia, it’s hard to catch abusers in the act. For those dependent on a caregiver’s services, many people won’t speak up for fear of lacking the assistance they need. Some common forms of emotional abuse include:
- Withdrawal or depression
- Unusual or ‘subconscious’ behavior like rocking
- Nervous reactions in the presence of caregiver
- Caregiver yelling at elder
- Forced communicative isolation from family or loved ones
4. Sexual Abuse
It’s almost unthinkable, but sexual abuse can still occur in the elderly community. Attackers will frequently target people they believe to be vulnerable or those they know can be overpowered. Again, many perpetrators are those close to the senior, which only adds to the statistic of underreporting due to fear of losing access to care or assistance. Signs can include:
- Bruising near or around genitals
- Evidence of venereal disease
- Difficulty walking or standing
- Extremely depressive or withdrawn behavior
- Excessive flirtation or touching by caregiver
5. Financial Abuse
As digital technology becomes more intertwined with finances and more seniors are browsing the internet, financial abuse is increasingly common. Additionally, phone calls asking for personal information are still a favorite of scam artists. Since many seniors have a higher net worth than younger people, they remain likely targets for criminal activity. Some signs of financial abuse include:
- Unpaid bills
- Missing funds
- Purchases not made by a senior
- Increased credit care usage
- Frequent cash withdrawal
- New names on a bank account or credit card
How to Respond to Elder Abuse
It’s a very sensitive subject for many families and their loved ones, though it’s absolutely necessary to seek help if you suspect elder abuse is transpiring. For immediate assistance and resources turn to the National Center for Elder Abuse (NCEA) through their available hotlines and professional counseling.
No one should ever have to deal with abuse, especially our seniors. The best way to stop elder abuse is to recognize the signs and stay attentive to what a loved one is communicating, or rather not communicating to you. Staying actively engaged with your senior’s care will help you identify potential abuses and ensure they’re living a safe, happy, and healthy life.
