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What is Elder Abuse?
Diane Darby Beach, Gerontologist • January 2, 2019
As seniors become increasingly frail, they may be less able to take care of themselves, resist bullying, or fight back if attacked. They may not see or hear as well or think as clearly as they used to, leaving opportunities for devious people to take advantage of them.
Elder abuse tends to take place where seniors live (their abusers are often adult children, other family members such as grandchildren, or a spouse or partner). Elder abuse can also occur in long-term care facilities.
Types and Warning Signs of Elder Abuse
1) Physical Abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Obvious lacerations, abrasions, fractures, welts, bruises, discoloration, or swelling
- Pain or tenderness on mere touch
- Burns caused by cigarettes, ropes or other bonds
- Elder is withdrawn or demonstrates dramatic change in behavior
2) Mental Suffering due to threats, coercion, and intimidation, causing
- Fear, Confusion or Withdrawal
- Appears depressed and not himself/herself
- Unusual mood changes and anger
- Fear of being touched or approached by others
- Seems withdrawn, unusually introverted or afraid
3) Neglect
- Abandonment
- Abduction
- The elder feels isolated by a caretaker and is unable to speak freely or spend time with others
- A caretaker fails to assist with personal hygiene or in providing clothing for the elder
- A caregiver has a history of violence, alcohol or drug abuse
- The elder has sudden weight loss or shows signs of dehydration or malnutrition
- The elder does not have necessities, including eyeglasses, dentures, prostheses.
4) Financial Abuse, taking funds, property or assets by:
- Theft
- Burglary
- Forgery
- Fraud
- Scams - By phone, mail, or internet.
- False Lotteries
Reporting Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse
If a situation appears to be life threatening or a crime is in progress, call
9-1-1 or your local law enforcement. If you believe elder or dependent abuse has occurred, call Adult Protective Services at
1-800-510-2020, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Outside the County of San Diego call
1-800-339-4661.