Learning the signs of elder abuse and how to prevent it in caregiving

June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month, which offers a chance to examine what can be done about the widespread issue. 

Around 1 in 10 older Americans are abused each year. Some figures come out to 5 million elders abused each year, as many cases go unreported according to the National Council on Aging. 

And another shocking statistic is that in about 60 percent of incidents involving elder abuse, the abusers are family members. 

This is a heavy topic. 

But recognizing the signs of abuse can stop the abuse, and prevent it from happening to your loved one in the future. 

Read on to find out how. 

What are the types of elder abuse?  

There are several types of elder abuse to be aware of and to lookout for. 

Physical elder abuse is inflicting pain through injury that can include slapping, hitting, kicking or restraint according to Domestic Shelters. This can also include withholding food, force-feeding or interfering with their prescribed medications. 

Sexual abuse includes any nonconsensual contact that is sexual. This can range from rape to inappropriate touching. Seniors with intellectual disabilities cannot give consent. 

Emotional abuse can include threatening, intimidating or humiliating a senior. Verbal assaults fall under this category as well. 

Financial abuse involves the misuse of an elders finances for personal gain. The misuse of assets, property or power of attorney falls under this category. 

Neglect is a failure to provide basic needs to an elder such as healthcare, food, water and shelter. Failure to provide proper hygiene can also be included here. 

Abandonment and confinement are other forms of abuse. Abandoning a senior is a step beyond neglect when a person is responsible for caring for the senior. Confinement is forcing the elder into social or physical isolation for non-medical reasons.  

You can learn more about different signs of elder abuse from the National Center on Elder Abuse HERE.

How can I recognize the warning signs of elder abuse? 

Knowing your loved one’s personality can go a long way in recognizing signs of elder abuse. 

How are their living conditions? If they’re aging in place with the help of a caregiver, are their living conditions sanitary? Are bills getting paid? 

Physical signs of abuse may be easier to spot. Do they have bruises anywhere on their skin, or other signs of trauma? 

Here are some other signs:

• Weight loss
• Withdrawn personality
• Weariness to physical contact 
• A sudden change in financial wellbeing
• Injuries to private areas (like the breasts and genitals)
  
  

If you notice any signs but you aren’t sure of how to react, ask questions and make note of any changes in personality or appearance. 

The more you can record or write down any suspicious signs from the beginning, the more likely the abuser will be held accountable. 

If you suspect your senior is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.  See below on reporting abuse. 

What are the risk factors of a caregiver committing elder abuse? 

Caregiving can be a demanding job that requires a lot of support from others, patience and self-awareness. If your senior has a family caregiver, here are some things to look out for in a caregiver: 

• Financial dependency on the senior
• Mental or physical illness 
• Caring for a senior with poor physical or mental health
• A lack of social skills and social support
• Voicing ageist beliefs 

Caregiving is a stressful job. If a caregiver is already prone to the above qualities or has experienced abuse in their past, then the role of caregiving may bring out these reactions. 

How can I prevent elder abuse in caregiving? 

The quicker you can identify abuse, the safer your elder will be. Creating a safe social net can go a long way in making sure your elder is supported.

Whether a professional or family caregivers cares for your senior, make sure they have others in the community who keep in touch and communicate regularly. You could create a schedule or a system of in-person or phone check-ins that a handful of people are responsible for. 

Here are other steps you can take: 

Check in often with your loved one, noting their mental and physical state. 

Ensure that their finances are in order. Creating a living will and assigning a power of attorney can help to avoid any conflicts of interest and avoid family conflict later on.  

Learn about the rights of your loved one. If you’re paying for caregiving services, you and your senior have rights to preferences and to voice any concerns. 

If your loved one resides in a nursing home or an assisted living facility, go to this page for information on the long-term care ombudsman of Washington state. The program advocates for elders and promotes the rights of residents. 

Reporting elder abuse 

If an elder is in life-threatening danger, call 9-1-1. If you suspect someone you know is being abused, call Adult Protective Services HERE. 

Choosing a trustworthy caregiving team

Whether you’re looking to a family member or a professional, choose wisely when it comes to taking care of the senior that you love. 

If you’re in the position to do so, interview the person who wants to become the family caregiver and ask them why and how they’ll do the hard work of caregiving. Are they aware of the commitment they’re making, and does the person realize how much the role will affect their daily lives?

When researching to hire a caregiving team, make sure it’s a good fit for you and your family. Pay attention to not only past customer reviews, but how the company communicates with you and how they interact with your loved one. 

Going with your personal instincts on this decision should be a factor in who you trust to do this important work. 

SeaCare believes our elders should be cherished members of our community and family. Call us today to find out how we train our caregivers so they provide the best care out there.  

Megan Marolf writes about senior topics and outdoor recreation from her home base in Seattle. You can read more about her here. 

Resources: 

https://www.ncoa.org/article/get-the-facts-on-elder-abuse

https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/elder-abuse/prevention/

https://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Everyones_Business/News/Abuse.asp

https://www.sokolovelaw.com/blog/recognizing-the-signs-of-elder-abuse-even-when-theyre-harder-to-spot/

https://www.domesticshelters.org/articles/identifying-abuse/5-signs-of-elder-abuse?gclid=CjwKCAjw8cCGBhB6EiwAgOReyxo29ConpEgkfLEmR7LRYlWKXA82MubL0Bq-alDf5QswARBKrCWFTRoCMo4QAvD_BwE