Elder abuse is a serious public health problem that affects about 1 in 10 older adults who live at home. It happens when an older adult is harmed, or put at risk of harm, by a caregiver or another person they trust. Abuse takes many forms, from physical violence and neglect to financial exploitation and emotional mistreatment. The good news is that elder abuse can be prevented, and everyone has a role to play in recognizing the warning signs and helping older adults get support.
Key Takeaways
- About 1 in 10 older adults living at home experiences abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
- Abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, financial, or neglect of basic needs.
- Most abuse is committed by a caregiver or another person the older adult trusts.
- Many cases go unreported because victims are afraid or unable to tell anyone.
- Prevention starts with listening, staying connected, and supporting over-burdened caregivers.
- To report abuse or find help, call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or contact Adult Protective Services.
What Is Elder Abuse?
Older person abuse is an intentional act or failure to act that causes or creates a risk of harm to an older adult, defined as someone aged 60 or older. The abuse occurs at the hands of a caregiver or other trusted person. Common types of abuse include:
- Physical abuse: illness, injury, functional impairment, or death resulting from the intentional use of physical force, such as hitting, kicking, or pushing.
- Sexual abuse: forced or unwanted sexual interaction, including unwanted contact or non-contact acts such as sexual harassment.
- Emotional or psychological abuse: verbal or nonverbal behaviors that inflict anguish, fear, or distress, such as humiliation, threats, or harassment.
- Neglect: the failure to meet an older adult’s basic needs, including food, water, shelter, clothing, hygiene, and essential medical care.
- Financial abuse: the illegal, unauthorized, or improper use of money, benefits, property, or assets for the benefit of someone other than the older adult.
📖 How Common Is Elder Abuse?
How Common Is Elder Abuse?
Abuse, including neglect and exploitation, is experienced by about 1 in 10 older adults who live at home. Official statistics understate the problem because many cases are not reported: the older adult may be afraid or unable to tell police, friends, or family about the violence. From 2002 to 2016, more than 643,000 older adults were treated in emergency departments for nonfatal assaults, and more than 19,000 homicides occurred.
Compared with women, men had higher rates of both nonfatal assaults and homicides. A recent CDC study found that assault injuries to older adults in the United States cost almost $33 billion in 2022, and the rate of nonfatal assaults increased by 31% while homicides rose by 26% between 2015 and 2022.
📖 What Is Warning Signs to Watch For?
Warning Signs to Watch For
Warning signs of elder abuse can include unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, or fractures; sudden changes in mood, withdrawal, or fearfulness; poor hygiene, untreated medical needs, or weight loss; missing money or unusual banking activity; sudden changes to wills or powers of attorney; and a caregiver who refuses to let visitors see the older adult alone. Learn how the signs of abuse differ from the normal aging process, and trust your instincts if something seems wrong.
📖 What Causes Abuse?
Risk Factors for Abuse
Certain factors can increase the risk that an older adult will experience abuse. These include social isolation, cognitive impairment such as dementia, physical dependence on a caregiver, shared living arrangements, and a caregiver who is over-burdened, stressed, or dealing with substance misuse or mental health problems. Understanding these risk factors helps families and communities step in early, before harm occurs.
📖 What Is Health Consequences of Abuse?
Health Consequences of Abuse
Abuse can have serious physical and emotional effects. Victims are fearful and anxious, and they may have problems with trust and be wary of others. Many suffer physical injuries, from minor cuts, scratches, bruises, and welts to more serious injuries that can cause lasting disabilities, including head injuries and broken bones. Abuse can also lead to constant physical pain, premature death, and worsening of existing health problems. Because the emotional toll is so great, older adults who experience abuse often withdraw from the very people who could help them.
📖 How to Prevent Elder Abuse?
How to Prevent Elder Abuse
Violence against older adults can be prevented. We can all help by taking these steps:
- Listen to older adults to understand their challenges and provide support.
- Educate yourself and others about how to recognize and report abuse.
- Learn how the signs of abuse differ from the normal aging process.
- Check in on older adults who may have few friends and family members.
- Encourage or assist people, whether caregivers or older adults, who have problems with drugs or alcohol to get help.
It is also possible to prevent abuse by supporting over-burdened caregivers. Help can come from friends, family, local relief care groups, adult day care programs, or counseling. When caregivers get the support they need, the risk of neglect and mistreatment falls.
📖 How to Report Abuse and Find Help?
How to Report Abuse and Find Help
If you suspect abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an older adult, report it. In an emergency, call 911. To report suspected abuse or find services, contact Adult Protective Services in your state or area, or use the Eldercare Locator, a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging, by visiting eldercare.acl.gov or calling 1-800-677-1116. The Locator can connect older adults and families with local services, including support for reporting abuse. You do not have to be certain abuse is happening to call for guidance; it is always better to check.
📖 What Are Frequently Asked Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Who commits elder abuse? Abuse is usually committed by someone the older adult knows and trusts, such as a family member, caregiver, or other trusted person.
Why is elder abuse underreported? Many older adults are afraid of retaliation, ashamed, or unable to tell police, friends, or family about the violence.
What should I do if I suspect a neighbor is being abused? Check in on them, listen, document what you see, and report your concerns to Adult Protective Services or the Eldercare Locator.
Can family caregivers be helped before problems start? Yes. Supporting caregivers with respite care, counseling, and community programs reduces stress and helps prevent neglect and abuse.
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Abuse of Older Persons. This general health information is provided for educational purposes and does not replace guidance from protective services or a healthcare provider.
