What is Elder Abuse? Learn to Recognize the Signs.

• One in 10 people aged 60 and older who live at home might experience abuse. So, what is elder abuse? 
• The National Center on Elder Abuse has identified seven types of abuse: physical, sexual, elder, self-neglect, abandonment, emotional, and financial. 
• If you suspect abuse, contact the local authorities. 

One in six people, aged 60 and older have experienced abuse, according to the most recent data from the World Health Organization. Over time, elder abuse can jeopardize an individual’s physical, as well as psychological, well-being. 

Research also suggests that older people who have been abused have a tendency to die earlier than those who have not been abused, even when there are no life-threatening conditions or illnesses involved. 

As a trained nursing professional, can you answer the question, “What is elder abuse?” Would you be able to recognize elder abuse in a neighbor, a relative, or a patient? 

What is Elder Abuse?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines elder abuse as “an intentional act, or failure to act, that causes or creates a risk of harm to an older adult.” It is usually perpetrated by someone the elderly person trusts and is close to, such as a family member, or nursing home staff, if they are in a long-term facility.  

It may not be their actions, but also a lack of action, that causes harm. 

Types of Elder Abuse

Elder abuse comes in numerous forms. The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) breaks the incidences of elder abuse into seven types. Can you name all seven? 

1. Physical abuse: This is the easiest form to identify. It’s an intentional use of force against an elderly person, an action of violence such as hitting, pushing, or restraining an elderly person. It can result lacerations, cuts and bruises, fractures, burns, or other signs of injury. 
2. Sexual abuse: All forms of elder abuse are horrific but sexual abuse is the most heinous of all of them. This is just my opinion. It is defined as forced or non-consensual contact of any kind with an older adult. Signs include bleeding from the anus or genitals, pelvic injuries, bruising between thighs, or any new STD symptoms of an infection. 
3. Elder neglect: This occurs when a caregiver fails to protect the older adult from harm, which can result in an injury or illness. This neglect can be the result of dehydration, unclean clothing or poor hygiene, untreated infections, weight loss, or lack of nourishment. It can also result in bedsores in elders in long term facilities. 
4. Self-neglect: This form of abuse occurs when an older person cannot meet their basic needs or activities of daily living, such as feeding and dressing themselves, maintaining a healthy living environment, cannot maintain a hygienic lifestyle or address their medical needs. 
5. Abandonment: When a person who is tasked to care for the elderly person deliberately deserts them, leaving them to fend for themselves (which they may not be able to do). This type of elder abuse may present as elder person being scared and lonely, poor hygiene, and a malnourished appearance. 
6. Emotional abuse: Any act that inflicts mental pain and anguish or distress to an elderly person. These would present as signs of depression, fear of strangers, not making eye contact when conversing, changes in behavior or personality, or mood swings to name a few. 
7. Financial abuse: Simply put, this is illegal and described as the improper use of an older person’s financial resources and assets. Financial abuse can be committed by anyone close to the elderly person. These could manifest as missing property or belongings, cancelled checks, or banking statements that go to someone else. The elderly person may not even realize this is happening, along with withdrawals the elderly person could not have made, or changes in the power of attorney. It could even lead to eviction notices if prolonged and not realized in a timely manner. A Met Life Study of Elder Financial Abuse determined that financial abuse cost elders an estimated $2.9 billion annually. 

The Bottom Line

If you suspect any form of elder abuse and that the individual is in immediate danger, call 911. 

Keep in regular contact with the elderly person daily, and do not allow them to be in isolation. Keep them socially active. Isolation can be caustic and add to their problems of loneliness or self-neglect. 

Lastly, report any abuse to a local Adult Protective Services office for assistance. 

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