What Are the Signs of Elder Abuse?
Warning signs include unexplained injuries, sudden changes in behavior or fear of a caregiver, poor hygiene, weight loss or untreated medical problems, isolation from family, and unusual financial activity such as new joint accounts, missing money, or changes to a will or power of attorney. If someone is in danger, call 911. Otherwise report to adult protective services, the long-term care ombudsman for facilities, or police.
Elder abuse often goes unreported because victims depend on the abuser, feel ashamed, or cannot communicate. Family, friends and professionals are often the first to notice.
Types of elder abuse
- Physical abuse: hitting, pushing, improper restraint
- Emotional or psychological abuse: threats, humiliation, isolation
- Sexual abuse
- Neglect: a caregiver fails to provide food, medicine, hygiene or safety
- Financial exploitation: theft, scams, misuse of a power of attorney, pressure to change wills or deeds
- Self-neglect: an older adult cannot meet their own basic needs
Warning signs
Physical and care
- Unexplained bruises, burns, fractures or repeated "falls"
- Bedsores, dehydration, weight loss, poor hygiene
- Missing glasses, hearing aids, dentures or medications
Emotional and social
- Withdrawal, fear or anxiety around a caregiver
- A caregiver who will not let you speak with the person alone
- Sudden isolation from friends and family
Financial
- Unexplained withdrawals, transfers or new debts
- New "best friends" or romantic interests with access to money
- Changes to wills, trusts, deeds or powers of attorney
- Unpaid bills despite adequate income
- Missing belongings
How to report
- Emergency: call 911.
- Adult protective services (APS): every state has an APS program that investigates abuse of older and vulnerable adults living in the community (HHS).
- Long-term care ombudsman: for nursing homes and assisted living; see nursing home abuse.
- Police: for crimes such as theft, fraud or assault.
- Eldercare Locator: the federal referral service at 1-800-677-1116 can connect you with local agencies (HHS).
- Financial institutions: ask banks to flag suspicious activity.
The Justice Department's Elder Justice site lists reporting options by state.
Legal remedies
- Revoking or challenging a power of attorney
- Protective orders
- Conservatorship or guardianship when the person lacks capacity
- Civil lawsuits to recover stolen money
- Criminal prosecution
Prevention
Stay in regular contact, review financial statements with the person's consent, choose trustworthy agents in a power of attorney, and be wary of scams targeting seniors.
An elder law or estate lawyer can help protect assets and pursue recovery.
Sources
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This article is general legal information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws differ by state and change over time; talk to a licensed attorney in your state about your situation.