Elder abuse is the intentional mistreatment or harming of an adult over age 60. This abuse can take many forms – physical, emotional, sexual, and financial exploitation, as well as neglect. In the United States, an estimated 1 in 10 adults over the age of 60 experience some form of abuse each year. That number is likely much higher because elder abuse is often underreported, especially in underserved communities.
Abuse victims typically show emotional and behavioral red flags, such as depression, unusual fear or anxiety, or intentional isolation. Many victims are abused by someone they know or trust. It’s important to look for unusual changes in behavior around:
Family members Staff at inpatient facilities
Hired or volunteer caregivers
People in positions of trust like doctors or financial advisors
You can help make a difference by checking in with older loved ones. The first step to preventing abuse is to look for signs of mistreatment:
Signs of Abuse
• Signs of physical or verbal abuse
• Multiple or severe bruises or burns
• Evidence of the adult restrained, tied up, or locked in
• Broken bones or wounds
• Injuries at several stages of healing
• Expression of fear by the adult
• Self-endangering behavior
• Suicidal acts
• Confusion
• Wandering
• Refusal of medical treatment
• Homelessness
• An elder’s report of abuse
Signs of Neglect by self or another person
• Dirt, fleas, lice
• Bedsores
• Ulcerated sores
• Malnourishment
• Medications not being taken
• Fecal/urine odor
• Untreated medical conditions
Signs of Exploitation
Misuse of person, funds, property, or possessions
Unpaid rent or other bills
Sudden changes to a will
Unusual changes in money management or habits
Large, unexplained financial transactions
Allowing someone new to access bank accounts
Anyone suspecting that an adult may need protective services should contact Adult Protective Services with identifying information, including the adult’s name, age, address, the nature and extent of the alleged abuse, neglect, or exploitation, and the basis for the caller’s belief that the adult has been abused, neglected, or exploited. The Ohio Adult Protective Services Law (Ohio Revised Code 5101.61) provides mandatory reporting (with immunity provisions) by social workers, physicians, attorneys, nurses, peace officers, clergy, and senior-service providers. Additionally, reports are received from anyone with a cause to suspect that an adult may require protective services. Anonymous reports are also accepted.
If you suspect that a person is a victim of elder abuse, please report it. If you or someone you care about is in a life-threatening situation, call 911. If you suspect possible abuse or neglect – but see no immediate danger – contact:
Adult Protective Services in Stark County Ohio: 330-451-8998
Adult Protective Services in Summit County Ohio: Call 330.643.7217
The National Center on Elder Abuse at 1-855-500-3537 (ELDR)
If you suspect that a person is victim of elder abuse in a long-term care setting (receiving long-term care at home, in a nursing home or assisted living facility, or an adult care home) in Stark or Summit County Oho, contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman. Call 800.421.7277
You can also find additional local resources by searching the Eldercare Locator for your community at eldercare.acl.gov/Public/index.aspx.
Source: Brandon P. Smith, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist and Jim Bentley, Ohio Center for Hope
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