The Silent Epidemic

Elder abuse is a crime. It is often overlooked, undisclosed or unrecognized, and it receives far less public attention than other kinds of abuse. An estimated 1.5 to 2.5 million elderly Americans have been injured, exploited or otherwise mistreated by someone on whom they depend for care. It is believed that less than one case in 14 is reported to a public agency.

There are five categories of elder abuse and mistreatment:

Physical abuse, or mistreatment, is defined as the willful, non-accidental use of force to inflict pain, injury or unreasonable confinement; it typically includes hitting, slapping, beating, pushing, punching, shoving, shaking, kicking, pinching and burning.

Neglectful actions can be intentional or unintentional; they include lack of adequate nutrition, personal care, medications, medical attention or a safe place to live.

Emotional abuse inflicts psychological pain and distress, it is an intentional infliction by verbal or nonverbal behavior; examples include name-calling, unkind remarks made within earshot of the elderly person, threatening, insulting, humiliating, ignoring, isolating and excluding the individual from activities.

Financial abuse occurs when someone forces the individual to sell personal belongings or property or to change wills or other legal documents, steals money, possessions, or withholds money needed for daily expenses.

Sexual abuse is nonconsensual sexual contact; it includes unwanted touching, rape, coerced nudity and sexual photography or videos.

Here are some general warning signs:

• Previous incidents of abuse on the part of the caregiver or family members

• History of alcoholism or drug abuse by the caregiver

• Caregiver refuses to allow the individual to speak for themselves or without the caregiver presence

• Obvious lack of assistance by the caregiver

• Aggressive behavior by the caregiver, such as threats, insults of harassment, pushing, hitting

• Obvious indifference toward the older adult by the caregiver (withholding food, hygiene, medication)

• Inappropriate and uncontrollable anger (rage) toward the older adult by the caregiver

Others often feel uncomfortable or frightened to approach the caregiver. Just as with other types of abuse, most states have mandatory reporting laws regarding suspected elder mistreatment. The following are methods of reporting suspected abuse:

• If immediate danger is suspected, call 911.

• Contact Adult Protective Services for assistance

• Health care providers need to notify their immediate supervisor of their suspicions