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Elder Abuse And Retirees

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According to the National Council on Aging, up to 5 million seniors suffer abuse and exploitation each year. The financial losses alone are estimated at around $36.5 billion. It is sobering to learn that one in 10 people over age 60 is mistreated in their own home by a caregiver, a family member, or a person trusted by the victim.

Ugly clues of abuse

The snake has many heads. Abusive behavior can take different forms, ranging from general neglect or physical, emotional, and verbal cruelty to financial fraud.

Physical mistreatment typically might involve slapping, pushing, beating, or restraining someone; tying them to a bed; or locking them in a room. Emotional cruelty, which may leave no physical scar, can also cause deep psychological distress. It might be the result of someone shouting, swearing, threatening, or insulting the elderly person. Acts such as ignoring a lonely or needy senior or isolating them from their family and friends can also leave psychological wounds. Other forms of abuse include failing to provide food, shelter, clothing, or medical care and abandoning a senior without a necessary therapeutic device, such as a wheelchair or hearing aid.

Financial exploitation is the most prevalent form of elder abuse, according to the “AARP Policy Book 2023-2024.” The crimes range from forging checks, stealing Social Security benefits, and unauthorized use of credit cards or bank accounts to changing names on wills or house titles.

Keep a lookout for the telltale signs of elder abuse:

  • Bruises, burns, cuts, scars, weight loss, and/or dehydration.
  • Lab reports showing excess or insufficient medication levels.
  • Unkempt appearance.
  • Fearful or suspicious behavior, excessive apologies, and signs of trauma, such as rocking.
  • Caregivers who require advance notice of visits or who demand privacy.
  • Unpaid bills.
  • Missing possessions.
  • Neglected pets.
  • Unexplained fund transfers and ATM withdrawals, new names on bank cards, and mysterious signatures on financial documents.

An elusive challenge

Despite the numbers referenced above, we do not know exactly how many seniors endure abuse. Much of our information comes from reporting by hospital emergency departments, but those statistics do not include the many victims who do not seek help because they are afraid or ashamed to come forward or discuss their experience with friends or family. In some instances, they may be uncertain what to do, where to report or complain, or even which actions qualify as abuse. Their isolation may prevent seniors from opening up or they may be stymied by broken computers and phones damaged by their abusers.

PubMed Central research indicates that a depressingly meager 5% of cases are ever reported. These reports tend to occur after confrontations, such as a threat to call the authorities or a theft being exposed.

Prosecuting cases is likewise difficult. Victims may be reluctant to testify, while law enforcement lacks training and resources. Meanwhile, chronically underfunded adult protective services are understaffed. Despite these hurdles, financial institutions or possibly in-home services such as Meals on Wheels may be the first to suspect something is amiss.

Where to turn

If you fear you might be victimized, you can take basic precautions:

  • Look after your physical and emotional health.
  • Join support groups for domestic violence.
  • Solicit independent advice before signing any documents.
  • Stay active in your community, maintaining regular ties with friends and family.
  • Open your own mail.
  • Directly deposit all checks.
  • Have your own phone.
  • Review your will periodically.

Some of the following resources may be useful:

If you or an elderly relative might be vulnerable, monitor the situation carefully.

To report abuse, call this number 1-833-401-0832 and when prompted, enter your 5-digit zip code to be connected to the Adult Protective Services in your county, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

Bridget Mackay
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