What is Elder Abuse?
Elder abuse can be constituted within a range of many things, including any or all of the following:
Physical Abuse – Hitting, shoving, or any type of harmful contact.
Sexual Abuse – Any type of non-consensual sexual act.
Neglect – Ignoring the person by not providing food, healthcare, or shelter.
Exploitation – Illegally taking or misusing funds, property, or assets without consent from the senior.
Emotional Abuse – Any type of mental pain or distress inflicted on the elder through verbal or non-verbal acts.
Abandonment – Abandoning the elder by the person who is allegedly responsible for them.
What are some warning signs?
Bruises, pressure marks, or broken bones are all signs of physical abuse.
Sudden withdrawal from regular activities, depression, or change in attitude can be results of emotional abuse.
Sudden changes in financial situations.
Bed sores, unattended hygiene, new medical problems, or weight loss could be signs of neglect.
Strained or tense relationships between the elder and the caregiver could be signs or abuse.
What is self-neglect?
Self neglect is any time the elder is refusing or unable to care for him or herself. They may not be eating, taking their medications, bathing, or they may unable to keep their household clean and safe. Self neglect is the most frequently reported problem to adult services.
What is caregiver neglect?
Lack of basic hygiene, adequate food and water, or clean and appropriate clothing.
Sunken eyes or loss of weight.
Person with dementia left unsupervised.
Untreated pressure bedsores.
Lack of medical aids (glasses, walker, teeth, hearing aid, medications).
What to do if someone you know is a victim of Elder Abuse:
Report the abuse to One Place, or to someone you can trust, such as a friend, pastor, or doctor. DHR Adult Services
When reporting the abuse, try to be as specific as possible.
Types of Elder Abuse and Neglect include: Physical, Emotional, Sexual, and Financial exploitation.