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Community Service Program

Be Aware Of Elder Abuse

Some People Take Advantage Of The Vulnerabilities Of Seniors

It’s not new. Oh no, it’s been around forever, but seldom talked about. However, it’s now a more public issue and, sad to say, elder abuse seems to be a growing problem. In 2003, Adult Protective Services received 565,747 reports of abuse against elderly and other vulnerable adults. That’s a 19.7% increase over their survey in the year 2000.

Exactly what is elder abuse? The definition (and it’s interpretation) may vary from place to place. Simply put, it’s the intentional or unintentional harming or placing at risk of a person who is age 60 or older. The abuse may be physical, emotional or a combination of both.

The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse feels it is important for the public to be aware of and educated about this harmful behavior’s existence around the globe. To promote their cause, they have designated June 15 to be World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

A repairman may be committing elder abuse when he/she takes advantage of a vulnerable senior by making unneeded repairs, charging excessive prices, or both.

Types Of Abuse

Who & Where

  • Physical Abuse - Inflicting (or the threat of inflicting) physical pain, or the depriving of basic needs and services.
  • Emotional Abuse - Inflicting mental pain, anguish or distress. This can be verbal or nonverbal.
  • Exploitation - Illegal taking, concealment or misuse of valuables - property, investments, money and other assets.
  • Sexual Abuse - Non-consensual sexual contact or involvement.
  • Neglect - Failure or refusal by a responsible person (or entity) to provide the necessities for life - food, shelter, care, protection, etc. This abuse can be physical or emotional. The extreme form is abandonment .
  • Self-Neglect Elderly person ignores their own physical or emotional needs, not caring about their own health, well-being or safety.

Most cases of elder abuse occur in the senior’s home, whether that be a personal residence or a senior care facility. The abuser is most often a family member.

  • Spouse or Partner - most common abusers.
  • Adult Children - 2nd most common abusers.

Seniors neglecting their own needs are the most often substantiated reports of elder abuse. On a smaller scale, senior care facility staff members, professional caregivers, financial and legal advisors, and predatory salespeople have been guilty of abusing the elderly. Also, some home intruders specialize in seniors and know exactly how to take advantage of their vulnerabilities.

In 60-80% of the cases, the abuser is the person directly responsible for the victim’s care. Some times the abuse is intentional. Other times, the abuse just seems to develop with the growth of personal problems experienced by the senior and the abuser, and the impact of the stresses of life.

(Sources: ElderAbuseCenter.org, HelpGuide.org)