Elder Abuse Prevention

Ending Elder Abuse

The Administration on Aging says that hundreds of thousands of seniors are abused, neglected, and exploited by family and others every year. Many victims are vulnerable and depend upon others to meet their basic needs. Who is the abuser? The Michigan government did an elder abuse study in 2006, and found that in 90% of the cases, the abuser is a family member, and two-thirds are adult children or spouses.

What is Elder Abuse?

Elder abuse is an umbrella term referring to any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult.

• Physical abuse involves inflicting physical discomfort, pain, or injury.
• Sexual abuse is the infliction of non-consensual sexual contact of any kind.
• Substance abuse is an overuse of drugs and or alcohol.
• Emotional or psychological abuse diminishes the identity, dignity, and self-worth of the older person.
• Financial exploitation is the illegal misuse or concealment of funds, property, or assets of a vulnerable elder.
• Self-neglect is the behavior of an elderly person that threatens his or her own health or safety.

Some Signs of Elder Abuse

1. Personality changes
2. Whimpering, crying, refusing to talk
3. Unexplained or repeated bruises, fractures, burns, and sores
4. Weight loss
5. Unkempt appearance
6. Poor personal hygiene
7. Dirty, disorganized living space
8. Confusion, excessive sleeping, signs of inappropriate sedation (too much medicine)