Elder abuse refers to the intentional or negligent act by a caregiver or trusted individual that results in harm or risk of harm to an elderly person. This form of mistreatment can take various forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, or financial abuse, as well as neglect or abandonment. Elder abuse is a serious and widespread issue that affects vulnerable older adults, often compromising their physical health, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. The perpetrators of elder abuse may be family members, caregivers, or individuals in positions of trust, and the abuse can occur in various settings such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or within the adult’s own home. Detecting and preventing elder abuse requires awareness, vigilance, and effective intervention strategies to ensure the safety and protection of older adults in our communities.

The signs that a person may be suffering from abuse can include:

• Being denied the opportunity to speak for themselves or interact with others without the caregiver present
• Displaying indifference or anger from their caregiver towards them
• Blaming the person for uncontrollable behaviors, such as stating incontinence is deliberate
• Experiencing aggressive behavior from their caregiver, including threats, insults, or harassment
• Having a caregiver with a history of abusing others
• Experiencing restrictions on activities or being isolated from family and friends by their caregiver
• Encountering reluctance or unwillingness from their caregiver to comply with service providers or others involved in planning or implementing care
• Noticing inappropriate or unwarranted defensiveness from their caregiver when questioned about care or the care recipient

Elderly neglect refers to the failure, whether intentional or unintentional, of a caregiver or responsible party to provide necessary care, assistance, or attention to an elderly person’s basic needs. This form of mistreatment can manifest in various ways, including depriving the elderly of food, water, shelter, clothing, medical care, hygiene assistance, or social interaction. Neglect can occur due to caregiver fatigue, lack of resources, or inadequate training, leading to serious consequences for the older adult’s physical health, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. Elderly residents may not receive the essential care and support they require. Detecting and addressing neglect requires proactive monitoring, clear protocols for caregiver responsibilities, and effective oversight to ensure that older adults receive the dignified and compassionate care they deserve within care facility settings.

Signs that a person may be suffering from neglect could be one or more of the following:

• Presence of dirt, feces, urine odor, or other health and safety hazards in their living environment
• Poor personal hygiene, such as unwashed hair, body odor, or dirty clothing
• Displaying rashes, sores, or signs of lice on their body
• Inadequate clothing for their needs
• Signs of malnourishment or dehydration
• Unaddressed medical conditions requiring treatment or unexplained injuries
• Social isolation or the resident being withdrawn from activities
• Inadequate supervision leading to accidents or falls
• Ignored or unanswered calls for help
• Failure to administer prescribed medications

If there is no immediate danger to the resident, then rather than calling emergency services or 911, you should call your local state resource for help. The various agencies that help protect senior adult citizens can vary by state of residency. A sample table of departments has been provided for reference: