Elder Abuse - How to Define It, Recognize It, and Report It

    * Bruises around the breasts or genital area can occur from sexual abuse.
    * Sudden changes in financial situations may be the result of exploitation.
    * Bedsores, unattended medical needs, poor hygiene, and unusual weight loss are indicators of possible neglect.
    * Behavior such as belittling, threats, and other uses of power and control by spouses are indicators of verbal or emotional abuse.
    * Strained or tense relationships, frequent arguments between the caregiver and elderly person are also signs.

Who are the Abusers?

NCEA reports that gender does not determine who will be abusers of older adults. However, NCEA noted that family members- including spouses as well as  adult children --  are more often the abusers than any other group.

 

How Often Does Elder Abuse Happen?

The National Center for Victims of Crime shared the following statistics:

    * There are presently about 39 million individuals over the age of 65; the U.S. Census Bureau projects that more than 62 million Americans will be 65 or older in 2025 (McCoy and Hansen, 2004).
    * Older women (67%) are far more likely than men (32%) to suffer from abuse and slightly more than half of the alleged perpetrators of elder abuse were female (53%). (National Center on Elder Abuse Study, 2004).
    * Twenty percent of elder abuse involved caregiver neglect; 15% centered on emotional, psychological, or verbal abuse; 15% involved financial exploitation; 11% was physical abuse, and 1% was sexual abuse (Teaster, National Center on Elder Abuse, 2006).
    * In 2004, Adult Protective Services received a total of 565,747 reports of elder abuse for persons of all ages from 50 states, plus Guam and the District of Columbia, and investigated 461,135 reports. Of that number, APS substantiated 191,908 reports of elder abuse for victims of all ages, representing a 16% increase from the 2000 survey. (National Center on Elder Abuse Study, 2004).
    * Because older victims usually have fewer support systems and reserves – physical, psychological, and economic – the impact of abuse and neglect is magnified, and a single incident of mistreatment is more likely to trigger a downward spiral leading to loss of independence, a serious complicating illness, and even death. (Burgess and Hanrahan, 2006).
    * Of alleged perpetrators of elder abuse, 33% were adult children, 22% were other other family members; 16% were strangers, and 11% were spouses/intimate partners (Teaster, National Center on Elder Abuse, 2006).

If You Suspet Elder Abuse:

Call the police or 911 if you believe someone is in immediate, life-threatening danger. In addition, many states require that professionals such as doctors and home health professionals report suspected abuse or neglect. If you suspect abuse has occurred or is occuring, you should call the local adult protective services, long-term care ombudsman, or police.