One out of every 14 persons over the age of 60 may experience elder abuse

What is Elder Abuse?

• Physical Abuse: the non-accidental use of force that results in injury, pain and impairment.
• Emotional Abuse: the inflicting of mental anguish by threats, humiliation, intimidation or fear. It may include isolating an elder from friends or family.
• Neglect: the failure of a caregiver to provide essential food, clothing, shelter or medical care. It may include abandoning an elderly person. Self-neglect occurs when an elderly person is unable to meet his/her own needs.
• Sexual Abuse: any kind of non-consensual sexual contact.
• Financial Exploitation: the improper use of an elder’s funds, property or resources. It includes fraud, coerced property transfers and denial of access to assets.

Risk Factors

• Physical or cognitive impairment of the victim
• Isolation of the victim
• Caregiver stress
• Dependence of the abuser on the victim
• History of violence in the home
• Pathology or mental incapacity of the abuser

Physical Indicators:

• Unexplained fractures, bruises, burns
• Hunger, dehydration
• Poor hygiene
• Inappropriate dress
• Difficulty walking or sitting
• Missing needs such as eyeglasses, dentures or hearing aids
• Venereal disease or genital infection
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Repetitive hospital admissions or missed medical appointments

Psychological Indicators:

• Depression
• Anger or agitation
• Personality changes
• Fear or anxiety
• Hesitation to talk openly
• Withdrawal
• Resignation

Financial Indicators:

• Lack of knowledge about personal finances
• Reluctance to discuss finances
• Disparity between income and lifestyle
• Financial deprivation for essentials, i.e. food, medical treatment, drugs, housing or clothing
• Sudden withdrawals or closing of bank accounts

Be Aware:

Most victims deny that elder abuse is occurring. They may be in denial due to isolation, shame or fear of reprisal.

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