Elder abuse and neglect can take many forms, from physical mistreatment to financial exploitation. Associate Professor Maria Aranda highlights common signs of abuse and what you can do to report them.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), elder abuse is “a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person.”
Estimates of the frequency of elder abuse vary depending on the particular characteristics of the population studied such as age range, geographical region, definition and measurement of abuse and living situation. Experts agree that at least three to five percent of elderly people experience some form of abuse or neglect; one recent study puts the figure as high as 10 percent, while international sources put the figure even higher at almost 17 percent.
As people age, and rely more on family members and other individuals for their day-to-day needs and preferences, the risk of abuse increases. Therefore, as the United States population ages, it is reasonable to expect that reported incidences of abuse will also increase. Elder abuse has many consequences such as psychological effects, financial losses, increased healthcare costs, worsening health and even death.
Abuse can range from neglecting to care for an older adult’s needs — whether intentionally or not — to physical and even sexual violence. The perpetrator can be anyone: a family member, a friend, or an employee of a care facility. With that in mind, it’s important to be vigilant and ask questions if something does not seem right. USC Associate Professor María Aranda, who is a senior scientist at the USC Roybal Institute on Aging and licensed psychotherapist, outlines the warning signs that something might be amiss with a friend or relative:
Neglect
Neglect of one’s personal appearance, living quarters and health care may be the result of multiple factors — especially for those who live alone. But changes in appearance, health and upkeep of the home for older adults may indicate neglect on the part of caretakers.
Some signs to look for:
- Appearance: dirty clothes; unkempt hair; weight loss.
- Home: living quarters in disarray; hazardous stacks of newspapers or other items; lack of interest in going out; wandering off.
- Health: ignoring or forgetting medications and doctor’s appointments; no longer wearing glasses or hearing aids.