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Elder abuse

Elder abuse refers to physical and psychological mistreatment, financial exploitation, passive neglect, confinement, abandonment, hazardous living conditions, intimidation, and sexual abuse involving senior citizens. An abuser may be a caretaker, nursing home or hospital worker, a visitor or even a family member.

In 1986, there were 117,000 reported cases of domestic elder abuse nationally. In 1994, that number soared to 241,000 reports. However, experts believe that elder abuse is still largely hidden by a shroud of family secrecy and that the true number of victims may exceed 1 million each year.

In some states including New York, doctors and other medical professionals are required to report suspected cases of elder abuse. If you suspect a friend or relative is being abused, speak to your doctor, contact your local police or the Attorney General's Office.

What to watch for:

Symptoms of elder abuse may range from serious physical injuries to less noticeable signs of neglect. If you notice the presence of a number of these factors, it could indicate that a senior is being abused:

• Fractures, welts, lacerations, punctures and burns, especially when they occur in unusual or unexpected places. Also watch for frequent bruising, especially on the upper arms (from holding or shaking), and bruises that appear to be centered in a particular area (from repeated striking) or those that are similar in shape to an object;
  
  
• Signs of sexual abuse include torn, stained or bloody underclothing; difficulty in walking or sitting; and pain, itching bruising or bleeding in the genital area;
  
  
• Seniors who seem confused, show excessive fear, have difficulty sleeping or who have experienced a change in appetite, weight loss, withdrawal, agitation and a general loss of interest in activities or their environment may be the victims of psychological or emotional abuse;
  
  
• Seniors are also frequently the targets of financial abuse. Watch for inaccurate, confused or lack of knowledge about finances; unexplained sudden inability to pay bills; fear or anxiety when discussing finances; disparities between assets and lifestyle; or an unusual interest by a family member in an older person's assets;
  
  
• Neglected seniors are also victims. Be on the lookout for signs of dehydration, malnutrition, excessive dirt or odor, inadequate clothing (especially in colder weather), bedsores and signs of excessive drugging or lack of medication.

Source: Office of New York State Attorney General

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