Warning signs of elder abuse and how to report it

(Aging Untold) — One in 10 Americans 60 and older has experienced abuse at home, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some studies show those numbers increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Types of elder abuse

Sam Cradduck, a gerontologist, said elder abuse takes multiple forms: physical abuse, emotional abuse, financial abuse, neglect and sexual abuse.

“We don’t talk about that one nearly enough because we can’t even fathom that somebody in their 80s could be sexually abused,” Cradduck said.

She said sexual abuse can occur in memory care units where consent cannot happen and workers sometimes take advantage of residents.

People experiencing dementia may also relive past trauma, Cradduck said. She noted that older adults who were molested in their youth might relive those experiences during cognitive decline.

Why victims don’t report abuse

Katherine Ambrose, an aging-well coach, said reporting abuse to authorities does not always resolve the situation because seniors sometimes go along with their abuser.

“They’re older and they’re dependent on the caregiver, whoever that caregiver is,” Amy O’Rourke, an aging expert, said. “And so, if I report them, who’s going to take care of me?”

She said family members who suspect abuse need to have an alternative care plan in place before reporting.

“They’re going to have to know that there’s going to be a safe place for them to land with another caregiver,” O’Rourke said.

Financial abuse and family involvement

When financial abuse occurs, it often involves family members, which makes it difficult for victims to report, Cradduck said.

“Then who wants to turn their own kid in?” she said.

Ambrose noted that banks have become effective at intervening in financial abuse cases.

Much elder abuse stems from issues related to inheritance, control of the older adult and isolation, Ambrose added.

“I say it often that the American dream sometimes becomes the American nightmare. The best thing we can do is plan for our future self so we don’t end up vulnerable and being taken advantage by someone else and where it’s kept hush, hush and quiet and we’re really trapped,” Ambrose said.

Warning signs and reporting

Dr. Rhea Rogers, a board-certified physician, said emotional abuse can be subtle. She looks for changes in patient behavior during office visits as well as the interaction between the patient and the caregiver.

“If the patient is kind of dismissive or alienated to their self or don’t really want to make eye contact, or if it’s someone I’ve been knowing for a while and I notice a change in their behavior, then that’s a clue,” Rogers said.

Cradduck recommended several protective measures: installing cameras in homes or care facilities and monitoring bank accounts.

And Ambrose recommended building a team of advocates who know the older adult well.

Anyone who knows of a caregiver participating in abuse should report them to the state and ensure they cannot work in the field, Cradduck said.

Suspected elder abuse can be reported to Adult Protective Services. Cases involving licensed facilities or professionals can be reported to the appropriate licensing board.

Eldercare Locator, a public service of the Administration for Community Living, can connect you to services for older adults and their families. The phone number is 1-800-677-1116.