At Home Instead of Oakland, CA, we are dedicated to advocating for the well-being and safety of seniors in our community. As part of our ongoing commitment to providing the best home care in Oakland, CA, we believe it's essential to address important topics that impact the lives of older adults. One such issue is elder abuse, a concerning and unfortunately prevalent problem that can have devastating effects on the older population.
Elder abuse is a silent problem that robs seniors of their dignity, security, and—in some cases—costs them their lives. Up to five million older Americans are abused every year, and the annual loss by victims of financial abuse is estimated to be at least $36.5 billion.
What is Elder Abuse?
Elder abuse includes physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, exploitation, neglect, and abandonment. Perpetrators include children, other family members, and spouses—as well as staff at nursing homes, assisted living, and other facilities.
Types of Elder Abuse
- Physical abuse means inflicting physical pain or injury upon an older adult.
- Sexual abuse means touching, fondling, intercourse, or any other sexual activity with an older adult, when the older adult is unable to understand, unwilling to consent, threatened, or physically forced.
- Emotional abuse means verbal assaults, threats of abuse, harassment, or intimidation.
- Confinement means restraining or isolating an older adult, other than for medical reasons.
- Passive neglect is a caregiver’s failure to provide an older adult with life’s necessities, including, but not limited to, food, clothing, shelter, or medical care.
- Willful deprivation means denying an older adult medication, medical care, shelter, food, a therapeutic device, or other physical assistance, and exposing that person to the risk of physical, mental, or emotional harm—except when the older, competent adult has expressed a desire to go without such care.
- Financial exploitation means the misuse or withholding of an older adult’s resources by another.
How many older Americans are abused?
Approximately one in 10 Americans aged 60+ have experienced some form of elder abuse. Some estimates range as high as five million elders who are abused each year. One study estimated that only one in 24 cases of abuse are reported to authorities.
Who are the abusers of older adults?
Abusers are both women and men. In almost 60% of elder abuse and neglect incidents, the perpetrator is a family member. Two-thirds of perpetrators are adult children or spouses.
What makes an older adult vulnerable to abuse?
Social isolation and mental impairment (such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease ) are two factors. Recent studies show that nearly half of those with dementia experienced abuse or neglect. Interpersonal violence also occurs at disproportionately higher rates among adults with disabilities.
What are the warning signs of elder abuse?
- Physical Signs of Elder Abuse
- Dehydration or unusual weight loss
- Missing daily living aids
- Unexpected injuries, cuts, bruises or sores
- Unsanitary living conditions and poor hygiene
- Unattended medical needs
- Emotional / Behavioral Signs of Elder Abuse
- Increased fear or anxiety
- Social isolation
- Unusual changes in behavior or sleep
- Withdrawal from normal activities
- Financial Signs of Elder Abuse
- Fraudulent signatures on financial documents
- Unpaid bills
- Unusual or sudden changes in spending patterns, will or other financial documents.
What are the effects of elder abuse?
Elders who have been abused have a 300% higher risk of death when compared to those who have not been mistreated. While likely under-reported, estimates of elder financial abuse and fraud costs to older Americans range from $2.6 billion to $36.5 billion annually. Yet, financial exploitation is self-reported at rates higher than emotional, physical, and sexual abuse or neglect.
Are there criminal penalties for the abusers?
Most states have penalties for those who victimize older adults. Increasingly, across the country, law enforcement officers and prosecutors are trained on elder abuse and ways to use criminal and civil laws to bring abusers to justice. Review state-specific elder justice laws on the Elder Abuse Guide for Law Enforcement (EAGLE) website.
How does a person make an elder abuse report?
If an older adult is in immediate, life-threatening danger, call 911. Anyone who suspects that an older adult is being mistreated should contact a local Adult Protective Services office, Long-Term Care Ombudsman, or police. NCEA describes various scenarios and ways to Get Help, and more information is available from the Eldercare Locator website or by calling 1-800-677-1116.
