Elder abuse has become more and more prevalent over the years yet it still goes largely unreported. Only about 1 in 14 cases nationally is reported and about 1 in 5 in California. Seniors have become more of a target in recent years for many reasons; they often have a sizable “nest egg”, they are typically quicker to believe promises and slower to take legal action to protect themselves, and many seniors live alone and are susceptible to “friendly” callers. The following are the four primary forms of elder abuse.
- Financial/Fraud abuse
- Telemarketing
- Door to door salesman
- Investment fraud (i.e. Ponzi schemes)
- Sweepstakes and lottery
- Phishing
- Check washing
- Physical abuse
- Physical assault
- Sexual assault
- Unreasonable physical constraint
- Prolonged deprivation of food and water
- Inappropriate use of physical/chemical restraint
- Neglect
- Failure to assist in personal hygiene
- Failure to provide clothing and shelter
- Failure to provide medical care
- Failure to protect from health and safety hazards
- Failure to prevent malnutrition and/or dehydration
- Self-neglect
- Emotional abuse
- Verbal assaults, threats or intimidation
- Subjecting an individual to fear, isolation or emotional distress
- Withholding of emotional support
- Confinement
Almost anyone could be an elder abuser, caretakers, elder service providers, professionals who deal with elders, family, neighbors, “new” friends, telemarketers, con artists, etc. Signs to watch for with a suspected abuser include hostility towards visitors, dominance over or speaking for the senior, isolation of the senior, no visible means of support, and exaggerated or defensiveness for senior. Some warning signs that a senior might be being abused include withdrawn behavior, confused or extremely forgetful, depressed, helpless or angry, hesitant to talk freely, frightened, secretive, malnourished or dehydrated, unexplained bruises or welts, etc. If you suspect your or a loved are being subjected to elder abuse, act immediately and report it.
Under California law, certain individuals are legally mandated to report known or suspected elder abuse including physicians and medical professionals, clergy, all employees of health care facilities, financial institution, etc. Elder abuse cases should first and foremost be reported to your local Adult Protective Services office (there is usually at least one per county). Also, report the abuse to your local police and/or sheriff’s departments as many departments have dedicated elder abuse units. Do not wait to become a victim, act as soon as elder abuse is suspected.
Elder Abuse
