How many elderly people are abused each year

Many older adults are too ashamed to report mistreatment. Or, they're afraid if they make a report it will get back to the abuser and make the situation worse.

If you think someone you know is being abused — physically, emotionally, or financially — talk with him or her when the two of you are alone. You could say you think something is wrong and you're worried. Offer to take him or her to get help, for instance, at a local adult protective services agency.

Many local, state, and national social service agencies can help with emotional, legal, and financial abuse. The Administration for Community Living has a National Center on Elder Abuse where you can learn about how to report abuse, where to get help, and state laws that deal with abuse and neglect.

Or, call the Eldercare Locator weekdays at Most states require that doctors and lawyers report elder mistreatment. Family and friends can also report it. Do not wait. Help is available.

If you think someone is in urgent danger, call or your local police to get help right away. Most physical wounds heal in time. But elder abuse can lead to early death, harm to physical and psychological health, destroy social and family ties, cause devastating financial loss, and more. Any type of mistreatment can leave the abused person feeling fearful and depressed. Sometimes, the victim thinks the abuse is his or her fault.

Overall and firearm-specific older adult homicide rates increased between and Elder abuse can have several physical and emotional effects on an older adult. Victims are fearful and anxious. They may have problems with trust and be wary of others. Many victims suffer physical injuries. Some are minor, like cuts, scratches, bruises, and welts. Others are more serious and can cause lasting disabilities. These include head injuries, broken bones, constant physical pain, and soreness. Physical injuries can also lead to premature death and make existing health problems worse.

To prevent elder abuse, we must understand and address the factors that put people at risk for or protect them from violence.

The older adult population is growing faster in the U. Many older adults require care and are vulnerable to violence perpetrated by a caregiver or someone they trust. More research is needed to uncover the causes for, and solutions to, violence against older adults. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Violence Prevention. Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate.

Preventing Elder Abuse. Minus Related Pages. What is Elder Abuse? How big is the problem? Watch for financial abuse by asking the elder if you can check their bank accounts and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions. If you are an elder who is being abused, neglected, or exploited , tell at least one person. Tell your doctor, a friend, or a family member whom you trust.

Or call one of the helplines listed below. And if you see future incidences of abuse, continue to call and report them. Each elder abuse report is a snapshot of what is taking place. The more information that you can provide, the better the chance the elder has of getting the quality of care they need.

Older adults can become increasingly isolated from society and, with no work to attend, it can be easy for abuse cases to go unnoticed for long periods. Some fear retaliation from the abuser, while others view having an abusive caretaker as better than having no caretaker and being forced to move out of their own home. Do not confront the abuser yourself.

Find strength in numbers. If a family caregiver is suspected of abuse, other family members may have the best chance of convincing the older adult to consider alternative care. Feelings of shame can often keep elder abuse hidden. You may not want to believe a family member could be capable of abusing a loved one, or you may even think that the older adult would be angry at you for speaking up.

But the earlier you intervene in a situation of elder abuse, the better the outcome will be for everyone involved.

Even if the elder refuses your help, keep checking in with them. Enlist others to express their feelings of concern to them. Sometimes a peer or a neutral party, such as a geriatric care manager, may have a better chance of getting through. Make sure the older adult is connected with medical services. Offer the elder home services on a trial basis. This can help them see the positive changes they can experience, and open them up to considering alternative care. For example, encourage them to try housekeeping help for a month or a meal delivery service for a few weeks.

Tour assisted living or other senior housing facilities without any immediate pressure to move. Consider legal guardianship. If there is not an appropriate family member available, a guardian can be appointed by the court. American Psychological Association. Frequently Asked Questions — Answers to 16 key questions about elder abuse. National Center on Elder Abuse.

Self Neglect — Includes tips for advocating for the older adult. Aging and Long-Term Support Administration. California Department of Justice. This holiday season alone, millions of people will turn to HelpGuide for free mental health guidance and support. So many people rely on us in their most difficult moments.

Can we rely on you? All gifts made before December 31 will be doubled.