World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, a day designed to bring attention to the thousands of adults over 60 years old who are abused, neglected, or financially exploited each year. While we often think of elder abuse in conjunction with long-term care, it can happen anywhere. Too often the abuser is a family member, caregiver, or a friend.

Types of abuse include:

• Physical abuse- when someone causes physical harm, including hitting, pushing, slapping, or restraining the elderly person. It can include sexual abuse.
• Emotional abuse, occurs when the abuser says hurtful things and threatens or screams at the elderly person.
• Neglect involves refusing to meet the needs of the older adult. It may include ignoring physical, emotional, and social needs, or withholding food, medications, or access to health care.
• Financial abuse is often initiated by family members and involves the misuse of the elder’s money or property.

Older adults are often considered an easy target by abusers because elder adults may be disabled or may not be considered an accurate reporter. They also may suffer from dementia, be physically unable to defend themselves, or feel vulnerable enough that they won’t report the abuse. They may be afraid turning someone in to the police may result in their caregiver going to jail forcing them into a nursing home.

Signs of an elder person being abused include:

• Changes in behavior, such as becoming withdrawn or violent
• Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or scars
• Bedsores
• Unsafe, or unclean living conditions
• Poor hygiene
• Unexpected financial losses or unpaid bills

Elder abuse can happen to any older adult, anywhere, anytime. Let’s all do our best to know the signs and help prevent further abuse.