All older adults deserve to feel safe and secure, especially when in a more vulnerable state. As a loved one, it is important that you have an understanding of elder abuse so that you can keep the older family member in your life protected. Below, we will discuss the many different forms of abuse, as well as what caregivers and family members can do to prevent mistreatment.

According to the CDC, the official elder abuse definition includes both intentional acts as well as a failure to act that results in an older adult being exposed to harm. A perpetrator can be anyone who takes advantage of the power dynamic in the relationship. In many cases, they will exploit the senior’s diminished mental capacity, poor health, and/or physical weakness. They then use their power to harm the older adult, resulting in physical, physiological, and/or emotional trauma – we’ll talk more about specific consequences below.

The unfortunate reality is that there are many people who can be perpetrators of senior abuse. This includes children and spouses, as well as other family members and friends who may be in a caregiving position. Professional caregivers (including nursing home and assisted living staff) may also be perpetrators of abuse.

Elder abuse is significantly underreported, which is due to numerous factors. A senior adult may not remember the mistreatment occurred (if they were aware it happened at all). They may also feel fearful of the perpetrator, or believe that they don’t have the resources to report the abuse. Unfortunately, many health care facilities also fail to report potential abuse, even when required by law. This is why family members and loved ones should do their part to recognize the signs of elder abuse and step in to prevent any harm from occurring.

The signs of senior abuse can vary greatly, since there are so many different ways in which older adults can be harmed. Physical signs can include unexplained injuries, such as bruises or cuts. In the case of sexual abuse, physical indications can look like bruising around the inner thighs, a sudden difficulty walking or sitting for an extended amount of time, or an unexplained STD or infection.

Beyond the pain these injuries cause, physical abuse can also make existing health problems worse. This is why it is so important to catch signs of mistreatment early.

In addition to injuries, physical indications to look out for can include signs of neglect, such as sudden weight loss (that isn’t attributed to a health condition), dehydration, untreated bed sores, and poor hygiene. A disorderly or unsanitary living space can also be an indicator of neglect.

Emotionally, an older adult who has been abused in any way may exhibit sudden fear, anxiety, agitation, or depression. They may withdraw from their typical activities, and may isolate themselves from loved ones. Victims of elder abuse may also have a hard time trusting others, and may exhibit a new fear or discomfort around certain people. Additional behavioral signs can include sleep issues, a shift in eating or drinking habits, or changes in personality.

There are some signs of abuse that are more difficult to spot. For example, a caregiver may only notice signs of financial abuse if and when they take a closer look at a loved one’s finances. This can look like unexplained credit card charges or transfers of assets, or an unauthorized diversion of funds that was meant to pay for a senior’s needs.

Here is a brief overview of the most common types of elder abuse:

If you believe a loved one is in immediate danger, call 911 ASAP. Otherwise, if danger is not immediate (but you still suspect or have proof that abuse has occurred), there are a few ways you can get help.

Abuse (or suspected abuse) can be reported via the Adult Protective Services in the state that the victim resides. The National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA) has a database where you can find the appropriate contact information.

Another resource is The Eldercare Locator, a public service of the Administration on Aging. You can access their elder abuse hotline at 1-800-677-1116. A trained specialist will help you locate the appropriate agency where you can report abuse, and will also provide resources.

In the case of abuse in an assisted living facility, nursing home, or another medical institution, you can also contact the appropriate state’s long-term care ombudsman program. These representatives are trained to resolve problems in these types of facilities, in turn helping to strengthen resident care. You can find the appropriate state program on the Consumer Voice website.

It is believed that at least one in ten older adults in the US experience some form of elder abuse every single year. Given Florida’s significant elder population (around 20% of the state’s population is adults 65 and older), it’s essential that we do our part to prevent elder abuse from happening.

Florida elder abuse laws address financial and sexual abuse, as well as neglectful, physical, and emotional mistreatment. These comprehensive statutes ensure that older Floridians are legally protected against abuse, securing their right to live with safety and dignity.

Learning more about elder abuse is one of the best steps you can take to keep your loved one safe and protected. We recommend educating yourself about each type of abuse so that you are best equipped to spot the signs and step in when needed.