Elder abuse is a pervasive issue that affects millions of adults worldwide. According to research from the US Department of Justice (DOJ), at least10% of adults over 65will experience one or more acts of abuse every year. The National Council on Aging states that seniors who have been abused have an increased risk of death—that’s300% higherthan it is for those who haven’t experienced elder mistreatment.Elder abuse can happen in several forms—awareness of each type is key in safeguarding older adults from harm. By familiarizing yourself with the warning signs of all the types of elder abuse, you’ll be better equipped to spot situations where intervention may be necessary.Keep reading to learn more, including how to report elderly abuse if you suspect or know it’s happening to someone you love.
Elder abuse is a pervasive issue that affects millions of adults worldwide. According to research from the US Department of Justice (DOJ), at least10% of adults over 65will experience one or more acts of abuse every year. The National Council on Aging states that seniors who have been abused have an increased risk of death—that’s300% higherthan it is for those who haven’t experienced elder mistreatment.
Elder abuse can happen in several forms—awareness of each type is key in safeguarding older adults from harm. By familiarizing yourself with the warning signs of all the types of elder abuse, you’ll be better equipped to spot situations where intervention may be necessary.
Keep reading to learn more, including how to report elderly abuse if you suspect or know it’s happening to someone you love.
6 Types of Elder Abuse to Be Aware ofContrary to what many people think, elder abuse isn’t always physical. Abuse can involve any intentional actions or neglect that causes harm. Knowing the different types of elder abuse and mistreatment will help you more easily identify when someone is being victimized.“It’s crucial to be aware of the variety of types of abuse that can occur toward elders, as these abuses can result in serious harm physically, emotionally, and/or financially.”–Talkspace therapist Jill Daino, LCSW-R, BC-TMH1. Physical abusePhysical abuse is the most well-known, often most obvious, form of abuse. It can involve hitting, slapping, pushing, or any other act of violence that causes pain or injury. Whether it occurs at home, in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or in any other setting, a bruise, fracture, or other bodily injury on an elderly person can be a sign of physical abuse. Spotting physical abuse quickly in older adults is critical in protecting them from further harm.2. Emotional or psychological abuseVerbal abuse, assaults, threats, humiliation, isolation, or manipulation that cause emotional distress are all ways someone can be emotionally or psychologically abused. While there may not be marks left or physical harm done,emotional abusecan be just as damaging as any other type of elder abuse.3. Sexual abuseSexual abuse involves any non-consensual sexual contact. Elders being sexually abused might not understand the act due to cognitive impairment. They may be unable to stop it due to being weaker than their attacker, or they may be afraid to talk about it.4. NeglectCaregivers who fail to provide adequate care, food, shelter, or medical attention can harm seniors. Neglect can lead to physical and emotional harm and may manifest through poor hygiene, inadequate nutrition, lack of medical care, or social isolation. Ignoring the signs of elder neglect can result in serious harm or even death.5. AbandonmentElder abuse in the form of abandonment occurs when someone who’s assumed responsibility for the care of an aging person deserts them, which can causeabandonment traumain the victim.6. Financial or material exploitationUsing, misusing, or withholding an older adult’s funds, property, resources, or assets for personal gain can constitute financial abuse. Elderly financial abuse is rising, so becoming aware of red flags is paramount.
6 Types of Elder Abuse to Be Aware of
Contrary to what many people think, elder abuse isn’t always physical. Abuse can involve any intentional actions or neglect that causes harm. Knowing the different types of elder abuse and mistreatment will help you more easily identify when someone is being victimized.
“It’s crucial to be aware of the variety of types of abuse that can occur toward elders, as these abuses can result in serious harm physically, emotionally, and/or financially.”
1. Physical abuse
Physical abuse is the most well-known, often most obvious, form of abuse. It can involve hitting, slapping, pushing, or any other act of violence that causes pain or injury. Whether it occurs at home, in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or in any other setting, a bruise, fracture, or other bodily injury on an elderly person can be a sign of physical abuse. Spotting physical abuse quickly in older adults is critical in protecting them from further harm.
2. Emotional or psychological abuse
Verbal abuse, assaults, threats, humiliation, isolation, or manipulation that cause emotional distress are all ways someone can be emotionally or psychologically abused. While there may not be marks left or physical harm done,emotional abusecan be just as damaging as any other type of elder abuse.
3. Sexual abuse
Sexual abuse involves any non-consensual sexual contact. Elders being sexually abused might not understand the act due to cognitive impairment. They may be unable to stop it due to being weaker than their attacker, or they may be afraid to talk about it.
4. Neglect
Caregivers who fail to provide adequate care, food, shelter, or medical attention can harm seniors. Neglect can lead to physical and emotional harm and may manifest through poor hygiene, inadequate nutrition, lack of medical care, or social isolation. Ignoring the signs of elder neglect can result in serious harm or even death.
5. Abandonment
Elder abuse in the form of abandonment occurs when someone who’s assumed responsibility for the care of an aging person deserts them, which can causeabandonment traumain the victim.
6. Financial or material exploitation
Using, misusing, or withholding an older adult’s funds, property, resources, or assets for personal gain can constitute financial abuse. Elderly financial abuse is rising, so becoming aware of red flags is paramount.
Recognizing the Signs of Elder Abuse
If you have an older person in your life, you should be able to recognize the signs of elder abuse.
“Noticing the signs of elder abuse and speaking up to protect a senior is vital, especially since many elders may be unable or too afraid to speak up for themselves. Your intervention can make all the difference in their safety and well-being.”
Warning signs of physical and sexual abuse
There are several warning signs of physical or sexual elder abuse to be aware of. Knowing the following signs can help you quickly determine if anything might be happening to a senior in your life.
Warning signs of physical abuse:
Warning signs of sexual abuse:
Indicators of emotional abuse
Emotional abuse of an elder can be more challenging to see, so recognizing the following indicators is essential.
Signs of neglect and abandonment
It’s crucial you don’t ignore signs of elder neglect and abandonment, which can cause serious harm to older adults.
Physical indicators:
Behavioral signs:
Flags for financial exploitation
Financial exploitation often flies under the radar, but it can be devastating for an older person who lives on a limited or fixed income and is being taken advantage of.
Signs of elder financial abuse include:
Symptoms of self-neglect
Self-neglect can be a bit more difficult to identify because it often occurs when a senior is transitioning from a time when they’re still able to care for themselves appropriately to when they start to need additional support and help.
Look for the following symptoms of self-neglect:
How to Report Elder Abuse
If you suspect elder abuse, take action and report your concerns to protect the victim and ensure they receive the support and intervention they need.
Reporting elder abuse can:
Mandatory reporting laws may apply in certain situations, requiring professionals to report suspected elder abuse.
When and why you should report elder abuse
Depending on who the abuser is, acting quickly to report elder abuse could save the life and well-being of not just your loved one — it might save countless others.
Steps to report elder abuse
If you suspect any of the types of elder abuse discussed here, take the following steps:
Professional Support for Elder Abuse Victims with TalkspaceRemember, reporting elder abuse isn’t just a moral obligation — it can be a legal one too. Don’t hesitate to take action.If someone in your life is a victim of elder abuse, Talkspace is here to provide mental health support. Help your loved one get the help they need for any resulting trauma withonline therapyat Talkspace.
Professional Support for Elder Abuse Victims with Talkspace
Remember, reporting elder abuse isn’t just a moral obligation — it can be a legal one too. Don’t hesitate to take action.
If someone in your life is a victim of elder abuse, Talkspace is here to provide mental health support. Help your loved one get the help they need for any resulting trauma withonline therapyat Talkspace.
Sources:
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