Types of Abuse:
- Physical Abuse
- Emotional Abuse
- Neglect
- Abandonment
- Sexual Abuse
- Financial Abuse
Who is being abused?
Most victims of abuse are women, but some are men. Likely targets are older adults who have no family or friends nearby and people with disabilities, memory problems, or dementia. Abuse can happen to any older adult, but often affects those who depend on others for help with activities of everyday life, including bathing, dressing, and taking medicine. People who are frail may appear to be easy victims.
Financial Abuse:
- Financial Neglect: Occurs when an older adult's financial responsibilties such as paying rent or mortgage, medical expenses or insurance, utility bills or property taxes are ignored.
- Financial Exploitation: The misuse, mismanagement, or exploitation of property, belongings or assets.
- Health Care Fraud: Can be committed by doctors, hospital staff, or other health care workers. It includes overcharging, billing twice for the same service and falsifying Medicaid or Medicare claims.
Signs of Abuse:
- Becomes withdrawn
- Display signs of trauma
- Unexplained cuts, bruises, cuts or scars
- Broken eyeglasses/frames
- Develops bad sores
- Lacks medical aid
- Losing weight for no reason
- Trouble sleeping
- Looks messy (unwashed hair or dirty clothes)
How to help:
If you think someone is in danger please call 911.
Administration for Community Living has a National Center on Elder Abuse and can be reached at (800) 677-1116.
