How to spot elder abuse

Many people don’t know what elder abuse necessarily looks like. And that makes sense, because the signs of abuse vary depending on the nature of the abuse itself. Here’s a closer look at the forms of elder abuse we have seen and signs to look for if you suspect someone is being harmed.

Physical abuse

The use of physical force that may result in bodily injury, physical pain, or impairment; or any physical injury to an adult caused by other than accidental means. Some signs of physical abuse:

Bruises, black eyes, welts
Broken bones, cuts, sprains
Sudden change in behavior
Caregiver refusal to leave elder or dependent adult alone
Hitting, beating, pushing, shaking, slapping, kicking, pinching, and burning
Unlawful, excessive or unnecessary use of force like restraints or force-feeding
Over-medication or under-medication

Financial abuse and exploitation

The illegal or unethical exploitation and/or use of an elder’s funds, property or other assets. Some signs of financial abuse:

Unexplained/unusual purchases by the primary caregiver
Unpaid bills, new credit cards and/or increased cash withdrawals
Coercing or deceiving an older person into signing any document such as a contract or will
Improper use of conservatorship, guardianship, or power of attorney
Basic needs not being met

Emotional and psychological abuse

Verbal or emotional abuse, including threatening significant physical harm or threatening or causing significant emotional harm to an adult through the use of:

Derogatory or inappropriate names, insults, profanity or ridicule
Mental cruelty, harassment, coercion or intimidation, humiliation
Inappropriate sexual comments

Sexual abuse

Sexual contact with a non-consenting adult or with an adult considered incapable of consenting to a sexual act. Some signs of sexual abuse:

Unexplained sexually transmitted diseases
Unusual bruising on thighs and chest or stains on clothing/sheets
Unwanted sexual contact
Sexual exploitation
Withdrawn from social interactions; panic attacks

Neglect by others

Failure to provide the basic care or services necessary to maintain the health and safety of an adult under one’s care when the means to do so are available. Some signs of neglect:

Failure to provide adequate food, water, clothing, shelter or health care
Dirty clothing and changes in personal hygiene
Cluttered, filthy living environment

Neglect of oneself

A victim of elder abuse might spiral downward because of the abuse, refusing or failing to provide himself/herself with adequate:

Food and water
Clothing
Shelter
Personal hygiene
Health care

(Note: These can also be the signs of someone who is being neglected, abused or manipulated by a caregiver.)

Abandonment

The desertion or willful forsaking by anyone having responsibility for care.

Isolation

Preventing the individual from receiving:

Mail
Telephone calls (receiving or making calls)
Visitors (family and friends)

Who’s at risk?

Almost anyone 60 or older is at risk of becoming a victim of elder abuse, but certain factors elevate that risk, including:

Isolation.
Family members who abuse alcohol or drugs.
Cognitive issues. Especially in the early stages, they increase your risk of facing financial abuse.
Physical challenges or disabilities, which put you at greater risk of suffering physical, emotional and even sexual abuse.

- Media
- Events
- News Releases
- Newsletters
- Reports
- Videos

Notice under the Americans with Disabilities Act
Privacy Statement
Ohio Checkbook