Elder Abuse happens. For some older people, their worst fear isn’t dying. It’s living. Living with a constant dread of loneliness, confusion, neglect. Living to be abused—physically, mentally, financially. Living to be taken advantage of by others, or just Forgotten.

Defining Elder Abuse: The Elder Abuse and Neglect Program responds to the following types of abuse:

Physical abuse: Inflicting physical pain or injury upon an older adult.
Sexual abuse: Touching, fondling, intercourse, or any other sexual activity with an older adult, when the older person is unable to understand, unwilling to consent, threatened or physically forced.
Emotional Abuse: means verbal assaults, threats of abuse, harassment or intimidation.
Confinement

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ELDER ABUSE?
The following are indicators that an older person may be abused, although an older person may have one or more of these even if they have not been mistreated. As a reporter, you need only to SUSPECT that abuse may be occurring; the Elder Abuse and Neglect Program will conduct an investigation to determine if indeed that is the case. Even where the abuse allegation is not substantiated, the report may enable the older person to become aware of the Aging Network services for which they are eligible.

INDICATORS OF ELDER ABUSE, NEGLECT AND EXPLOITATION

Physical Indicators

* Injuries that have not been properly cared for
* Injuries incompatible with history
* Cuts, lacerations or puncture wounds
* Bruises, welts; discoloration, especially bilateral/multiple in various stages of healing
* Dehydration, malnourishment or weight loss without medical explanation
* Pallor or poor skin hygiene
* Sunken eyes or cheeks
* Evidence of inadequate care, such as improperly cared for bedsores
* Eye problems, retinal detachment
* Pulled out hair
* Soiled clothing or bed; left in own waste
* Burns such as cigarettes, acids, or ropes
* Locked in room; tied to furniture or toilet
* Broken bones

Financial Indicators

* Unpaid bills when income is adequate
* Food, clothing & care needs not met
* Overcharged for rent or services
* Personal loans not repaid
* Complaints of theft of property or money
* Missing checks, jewelry or other valuables
* Power of attorney signed by confused person
* Suspicious changes in titles to property
* Caregiver overly concerned with person’s money
* Promises of lifelong care in exchange for assets
* ATM transactions by home bound elder
* Utility shut-offs or threats of shut-offs
* Large telephone bills run up by caregiver
* Checks for food etc. written over amount needed
* Large or unusual bank transactions

Family/Caregiver Indicators

* Indifference or hostility to client
* Excessive blaming of client
* Problems with alcohol or drugs
* Previous history of violence
* Social isolation of the victim; withholding of affection
* Threats and intimidation of elderly

Behavioral Indicators of Elderly Victim

* Withdrawn, depressed, resigned, helpless
* Hesitates to talk openly
* Gives implausible stories about injuries or events
* Denies problems
* Appears fearful of caregiver or family member
* Has lost touch with family & friends other than caregiver or alleged abuser

If you know an older person who is being harmed in any way, give us a call. Confidential investigations are conducted to help resolve the problem.

To report any suspected abuse of a person 60 years or older, please call 1-800-283-4070 – 24 hour response. All reports are kept confidential and can be made Anonymous.