Physical, sexual and emotional abuse are a terrible reality for thousands of elders. Those responsible for their elder care are, in some circumstances, causing harm. The emotions and shame that follows abuse can be difficult to confront for both the victims and their relatives. According to the American Center on Elder Abuse:
Signs of elder abuse may be missed by professionals working with older Americans because of lack of training on detecting abuse. The elderly may be reluctant to report abuse themselves because of fear of retaliation, lack of physical and/or cognitive ability to report, or because they don’t want to get the abuser (90% of whom are family members) in trouble…The most recent major studies on incidence reported that 7.6%–10% of study participants experienced abuse in the prior year.
If you have a feeling someone you know might be experiencing abuse, one of the best questions you can ask them is, “Does your caregiver make you feel intimidated or fearful?” But, it may not be as easy as a simple question. Here are some other signs to look for:
Physical Abuse
Most people can recognize the signs of injury, but impairment is harder to detect. Impairment can come in different forms such as the use of drugs, restraints and confinement.
Obvious signs:
- Unexplained physical injuries (especially symmetric injuries)
- No alone time
Less obvious signs:
- Drug overdose/failure to take medication regularly (a prescription has more remaining than it should)
- Broken objects like eyeglasses or frames
Emotional and Verbal Abuse
Emotional abuse is a difficult problem to spot. The elder victim may be unable to convey what’s happening because of illness, dementia, or fear of being neglected.
Obvious signs:
- Yelling or threats
- Ridicule
- Blaming
Less obvious signs:
- Ignoring
- Isolating
- Terrorizing
Sexual Abuse
Non-consensual sex is overt sexual abuse, but not all sexual abuse involves sex. Sexual abuse can involve showing an elderly person pornographic material or unnecessary undressing.
Obvious signs:
- Bruised breasts or genitals
- Venereal disease or genital infections
- Vaginal or anal bleeding
Less obvious signs:
- Torn or stained clothing
Neglect or Abandonment
Neglect is one of the most common forms of abuse. A caregiver’s failure to fulfill a caretaking obligation makes up more than half of all reported cases of elder abuse.
Neglect can be intentional or unintentional. Unintentional neglect is extremely common, often the result of an overburdened/under-trained caregiver. If the elder is disabled and needs help taking medication or getting dressed, it can be considered neglect if the caregiver does not provide assistance.
Obvious signs:
- Weight loss
- Untreated physical problems, such as bed sores
- Unsanitary living conditions
- Lack of hygiene
- Desertion of the elder at a public place
Less obvious signs:
- Unsuitable clothing or covering for the weather
- Unsafe living conditions
Reporting and Stopping Elder Abuse
At the state level, the Colorado Coalition for Elder Rights & Abuse Prevention provides non-emergency help to those in need. They will also help you learn how to communicate effectively with seniors and stand up for elders in need.
At the federal level, the National Center on Elder Abuse provides resources and information for those who would like to stop abuse and get involved.
Unintentional abuse is often the result of an overburdened caregiver. If you’d like to restore balance back into a relationship, or just need a little help with care, we’d be glad to help.
