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NATIONAL CENTER ON ELDER ABUSE
Red Flags of Abuse
Our communities are like structures that support people’s safety and
wellbeing. One of the most important ways we can all contribute to
this ongoing construction project is by looking out for warning signs
of maltreatment. Does someone you know display any of these signs
of abuse? If so, TAKE ACTION IMMEDIATELY. Everyone, at every age,
deserves justice. Report suspected abuse as soon as possible.
Emotional & Behavioral Signs
> Unusual changes in behavior or sleep
> Isolated or not responsive
> Fear or anxiety
> Depression
Physical Signs
> Cuts, sores or burns
> Untreated bed sores
> Broken bones, bruises, and welts
> Unexplained sexually transmitted diseases
> Dirtiness, poor nutrition or dehydration
> Poor living conditions
> Torn, stained or bloody underclothing
> Lack of medical aids (glasses, walker, teeth,
hearing aid, medications)
Financial Signs
> Unusual changes in bank account or money management
> Unusual or sudden changes in a will or other financial documents
> Fraudulent signatures on financial documents
> Unpaid bills
WHAT IS ELDER ABUSE?
Elder abuse is the mistreatment or harming of an older person. It can include
physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, along with neglect and financial
exploitation. Many social factors—for example, a lack of support services and
community resources—can make conditions ripe for elder abuse. Ageism (biases
against or stereotypes about older people that keep them from being fully a
part of their community) also play a role in enabling elder abuse. By changing
these contributing factors, we can prevent elder abuse and make sure everyone
has the opportunity to thrive as we age.
TYPES OF ELDER ABUSE
> Physical abuse: Use of force to threaten or physically injure an older person
> Emotional abuse: Verbal attacks, threats, rejection, isolation, or belittling acts
that cause or could cause mental anguish, pain, or distress to an older person
> Sexual abuse: Sexual contact that is forced, tricked, threatened, or otherwise
coerced upon an older person, including anyone who is unable to grant consent
> Exploitation: Theft, fraud, misuse or neglect of authority, and use of undue influence as a lever to
gain control over an older person’s money or property
> Neglect: failure or refusal to provide for an older person’s safety, physical, or emotional needs
HOW CAN WE PREVENT AND ADDRESS ELDER ABUSE?
We can lessen the risk of elder abuse by putting supports and foundations in place that make abuse
difficult. If we think of society as a building that supports our wellbeing, then it makes sense to design
the sturdiest building we can—one with the beams and load-bearing walls necessary to keep everyone
safe and healthy as we age. For example, constructing community supports and human services for
caregivers and older adults can alleviate risk factors tied to elder abuse. Increased funding can support
efforts to train practitioners in aging-related care. Identifying ways to empower older adults will reduce
the harmful effects of ageism. And leveraging expert knowledge can provide the tools needed to
identify, address, and ultimately prevent abuse.
HOW CAN WE REPORT SUSPECTED ABUSE?
No matter how old we are, justice requires that we be treated as full members of our communities. If we
notice some of these signs of abuse, it is our duty to report it to the proper authorities.
Programs such as Adult Protective Services (APS) and the Long-Term Care Ombudsmen are here to
help. For reporting numbers, contact Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 (www.eldercare.acl.gov).
If you or someone you know is in a life threatening situation or immediate danger,
call 911 or the local police or sheriff.
The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) directed by the U.S.
Administration on Aging, helps communities, agencies and organizations
ensure that older people and adults with disabilities can live with dignity,
and without abuse, neglect, and exploitation. We are based out of Keck
School of Medicine of USC. NCEA is the place to turn for education,
research, and promising practices in preventing abuse.
Visit us online for more resources!
ncea.acl.gov
This material was completed for the National Center on Elder Abuse situated at
Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California and is supported
in part by a grant (No. 90ABRC000101-02) from the Administration for Community
Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Grantees carrying
out projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their
findings and conclusions. Therefore, points of view or opinions do not necessarily
represent official ACL or DHHS policy. LAST DOCUMENT REVISION: DECEMBER 2018
