Elder Abuse-Know the Signs

Martine Barclay Holquist, Crime Victim Center

June is a month for many things, but did you know that June 15th was Elder Abuse Awareness Day?  We don’t like to think about elder abuse, for many reasons.  Unfortunately, the reality is that senior citizens are at risk for sexual, physical, mental and financial abuse as well as neglect, abandonment and exploitation.  Abusers could be family members, spouses, friends, neighbors, strangers or professionals.  For many of these victims, the abuse is hidden.  They are isolated by the situation, the abuser, their own shame or a combination of the three. 

Consider these sobering facts, put out by the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA):

• More than 1 in 10 elders are abused.  However, only about 4% of the cases are reported. 
• Victims of elder abuse have a significantly higher risk of premature death than those who have not been abused.
• Within 15 years, elders will comprise 20% of the population-or 72.1 million people.  This is nearly twice as many as in 2007. 
• In the US, financial abuse and exploitation costs elders more than $2.9 billion each year. 

All seniors are at risk for elder abuse, regardless of their culture, race, living situation, health and socio-economic status.  Those who live in nursing homes and institutions are at risk as well as those who live at home or with family.  Factors which increase risk include dementia, mental health, isolation and increased physical limitations. 

There are warning signs, however. Neglect and physical abuse:  unexplained bruises, pressure ulcers, lack of medical care, poor hygiene, dehydration, or not having their glasses, hearing aid, walker or dentures.  Emotional abuse:  unexplained behavioral changes, isolation, restricted access to visitors, signs of depression and withdrawal from activities, or changes in alertness.  Financial abuse:  lack of amenities that they could afford, unusual bank withdrawals, loss of property, altered wills or overly generous monetary gifts to caregivers.  Sexual abuse:  unexplained STDs, bruising around genitals and shame about the body.

People who are being abused may or may not reach out for help, particularly if a family member is the abuser.  They might fear the abuser will be in trouble, or concerned about their own living situation.  What if they are dependent on this person for care-will they need to live in a nursing home if they report the abuse?  Feelings of shame, embarrassment and denial also play a role in how open that person will be. 

We can help the older individuals in our lives by being open to the possibility that abuse can occur to people we know.  Open lines of communication, make frequent contact and be willing to listen to difficult subjects.  Ask questions.  Talk about the issue with people of all ages.  If you suspect elder abuse, don’t assume someone else will have reported it.  Call 911 if the person is in immediate, life threatening danger.  Otherwise, to report suspected elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation in Pennsylvania call 1-800-490-8505.  If the abuse is occurring in a nursing home, reporters must also call police and the Pennsylvania Department of Aging at 717-265-7887.  You can also file nursing home complaints with the Pennsylvania Department of Health Nursing Home Complaint Line at 1-800-254-5164.