Understanding the Signs of Elder Abuse and How to Take Action

As our loved ones age, ensuring they are treated with the utmost care and respect becomes increasingly important. Unfortunately, elder abuse is a growing problem that can manifest in various ways, from physical and emotional abuse to financial exploitation. It's a heartbreaking reality, but it's one that we can't ignore.

In this article, we'll explore the alarming signs of elder abuse and what you can do to help prevent it. From recognizing the warning signs to reporting the abuse, we'll provide you with the tools to make a difference in the lives of those suffering in silence. Let's dive in and learn how to protect our loved ones from this devastating abuse.

Elder Abuse Definition 

Elder abuse is a term used to describe any action or lack of action that causes harm to an older adult. It can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse, neglect, and abandonment. Elder abuse can occur in any setting, including the home, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospitals. It's important to note that elder abuse is not always intentional and can result from caregiver stress or lack of knowledge about properly caring for an older adult.

Types of Elder Abuse

As mentioned above, elder abuse can take place in many forms. Here are the most common types:

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is any type of physical harm inflicted upon an older adult. This can include hitting, slapping, pushing, or any other type of physical harm.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse is any type of verbal or nonverbal behavior that causes emotional harm to an older adult. This can include yelling, belittling, or ignoring the older adult. It can also include threats or intimidation. 

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is any type of unwanted sexual contact or behavior with an older adult. This can include sexual assault, rape, or any other type of sexual contact without the older adult's consent.

Financial Abuse

Financial abuse is any type of financial exploitation of an older adult. This can include theft, fraud, or any other type of financial exploitation.

Neglect 

Neglect is any type of failure to provide adequate care for an older adult. This can include failure to provide food, water, or medical care.

Abandonment

Abandonment is any type of desertion of an older adult by their caregiver. This can include leaving an older adult alone without any care.

Warning Signs of Elder Abuse

It's important to be able to recognize the warning signs of elder abuse so that you can take action if you suspect that someone you know is being mistreated. Some common signs include:

• Unexplained injuries, bruises, or cuts
• Changes in behavior or mood, such as depression or anxiety
• Withdrawal from social activities or hobbies
• Lack of basic hygiene or nutrition
• Unpaid bills or missing financial documents
• Sudden changes in bank account balances or spending patterns
• Fear or anxiety around certain people or situations
• Unexplained changes in legal documents, such as wills or power of attorney

Tips for Preventing Elder Abuse 

Preventing elder abuse starts with educating ourselves and those around us about the warning signs and how to report suspected abuse. It's also important to ensure that older adults can access resources and support, such as home health aides, meal delivery, and transportation services. Additionally, it's essential to ensure that older adults have the necessary legal documents in place, such as wills and power of attorney, to protect them from financial exploitation.

ADDITIONAL WAYS TO HELP

• Stop making fun of older adults (don’t tolerate ageism!)
• Educate yourself and others about the warning signs of abuse, neglect, and self-neglect
• If you see something, say something: if the older adult lives in the community, report your concerns to your
• local Adult Protective Services program or law enforcement.
• Be a friendly visitor to an older person living in the community.
• Provide support for someone who is a caregiver.
• Take part in events and raise awareness for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

How to Report Elder Abuse

If you suspect someone you know is being abused, it's vital to take action and report the abuse to local law enforcement, adult protective services, or the individual's long-term care provider. Be sure to provide as much information as possible about the suspected abuse, including the alleged perpetrator's name, the type of abuse, and any evidence you may have.

Here are some key national resources to utilize if you need to report abuse or get assistance:

• Utilize the Eldercare Locator helpline: 1-800-677-1116
• Contact your local Adult Protective Services (APS) office
• Contact a local police department non-emergency number
• Find an Area Agency on Aging near you

How Walker Methodist Approaches Abuse Prevention

As a faith-based non-profit that owns, operates, and manages a number of senior living communities in Minnesota and Wisconsin, we take senior care very seriously. Here are three ways we approach abuse prevention and reporting:

• All employees receive continuing education on how to watch for warning signs, no matter their role. The safety of our residents is our first priority.
• As a provider of care and housing to seniors, we are required to report to the Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center (MAARC) or through the Office of Health Facility Complaints if a potential abuse event has occurred.
• Our compliance program helpline is available to anyone who wants to report a suspected issue or concern within our organization. Reports can be made anonymously, and Walker Methodist will not permit any form of retaliation against anyone making a report in good faith.
  
  • Help Line: 612-827-8360
  • compliance@walkermethodist.org

Be a Difference Maker in Ending Elder Abuse

Elder abuse is a growing problem that can have devastating consequences for older adults. It's important to be able to recognize the warning signs of elder abuse and take action to prevent it. By educating ourselves and those around us, we can make a difference in the lives of older adults who may be suffering in silence. If you suspect that someone you know is being abused, it's important to take action and report the abuse to the appropriate authorities. Together, we can work to prevent elder abuse and ensure that older adults are treated with the care and respect they deserve.