Elder Abuse

It is estimated that 2 million elderly Americans residing at home are victims of mistreatment or neglect every year. As shocking as this statistic may be, abuse of the elderly is not a singular event, but a symptom of a larger problem (an aging population with diminishing resources).

Elder abuse occurs in all elements of society; it crosses social, racial, ethnic, economic, and religious lines. Caucasian females aged 70 years and older, especially those with moderate to severe physical or mental impairments, are at the greatest risk.

Mistreatment is not just physical abuse. It may also be mental, sexual, emotional, or financial. It is always a crime and always a violation of human rights.

As a group, the elderly are reluctant to report abuse. They are dependent on their abusive caregivers, and may be ashamed to admit what is happening to them. Health care professionals are in a prime position to identify, intervene, treat, and refer victims of elder abuse.

This brochure gives you some of the warning signs of elder mistreatment and characteristics of abusive households.  

If you suspect that abuse has occurred, you can report it to any of the following:

State Domestic Violence Hotline for Spousal Abuse
1-800-942-6906

Steuben County Protective Services for Adults
1-607-776-7611

Helpline
1-800-346-2211

 Warning Signs:

• Acute confusion
• Dehydration
• Malnutrition
• Hypothermia
• Fear/anxiety
• Bedsores/bruises/contusions/fractures
• Suicidal thoughts/attempts
• Psychosomatic/emotional complaints
• Frequent use of emergency services
• Withdrawal/depression

These findings are used by healthcare professionals to evaluate the possibility of mistreatment. By themselves, they are not definitive evidence of mistreatment.

Characteristics of Abusive Households:

• Evidence of alcohol or other substance abuse
• Overly attentive or aggressive toward the elderly person
• Socially isolated
• Lack of family or social supports
• Presence of high stress
• Financial or marital problems
• Past psychiatric history
• Family history of abuse, neglect, or mistreatment
• Dependence of abuser on the victim

These indicate the potential for mistreatment, but should not be considered definitive.

Interventions Known To Decrease Elder Mistreatment:

• Family support groups
• Meal services/support
• Housekeeping support
• Adult day care
• Respite care

Elder mistreatment includes caregiver behaviors such as:

• Neglecting to meet basic needs, like food, clothing, or shelter
• Failure to give medication as prescribed
• Belittling or insulting remarks
• Keeping an elderly person physically or socially isolated
• Not taking advantage of available supports such as Meals on Wheels, pastoral visiting, respite care, and other social services.

Health Education Index