Elder/Adult Abuse Reporting

What is Elder Abuse?

• Physical Abuse-Injury as a result of hitting, slapping, kicking, pushing, starving, shoving, burning, or drugging
• Emotional Abuse-Name-calling, threatening, scaring, harassing, destroying property, or not allowing to visit with family/friends.
• Sexual Abuse-Touched inappropriately or forced to take part in a sexual act.
• Neglect-A caregiver fails to provide basic needs, such as food, housing, clothing, medical or dental care, or leaves an elder alone and no longer provides adequate supervision.
• Self-Neglect-Inability to eat, obtain food, dress, bathe, take medications, or maintain a clean, livable home.
• Financial Exploitation-Caregiver, friend, neighbor, or unauthorized user takes money or possessions or forces the signing or changing of legal documents, Power of Attorney, deeds, wills or life insurance policies.

Common Signs of Elder Abuse

• Unexplained or reported injuries, bruises, cuts, burns, broken bones, welts or scars
• Expresses fear or concern about a family member or caregiver, or hesitation to talk when that person is present
• Vulnerability due to cognitive, physical, or sensory impairments that limit the ability to make reasoned decisions
• Unsanitary living conditions; dirt, bugs, soiled bedding and clothes
• Poor hygiene, weigh loss, poor skin condition, malnutrition, or dehydration
• Disappearance of money, possessions, or assets, or unexplained withdrawals, forged signature on checks, or misuse of debit/ATM cards