Elder Abuse is:

  • Pushing, hitting, punching.

  • Shouting at, berating, intimidating, threatening to harm an older adult.

  • Taking financial advantage of one who is lonely, vulnerable or has memory lapses.

  • Taking money an older adult needs, “borrowing” money with no intention to pay it back, tricking someone to buy something he/she has no use for.

  • Neglecting an older adult’s physical, medical and emotional needs.

  • Allowing an older adult to neglect their personal needs.

What to Look for:

  • Unexplained injuries, bruises, burns.

  • Excessive fear, withdrawal, agitation.

  • Sudden inability to pay bills, buy food or personal items.

  • Changes in appetite; unusual weight gain or loss.

  • Poor personal hygiene.

  • Does not know personal finances.

  • Unexplained changes in health.

DO's for families and friends:

  • Respect and honor older adults.

  • Report suspected abuse/mistreatment or self-neglect.

  • Find sources of help and use them.

  • Visit regularly; monitor the well-being of older adult neighbors.

  • Keep track of medicines and doctors’ visits.

  • Volunteer to help.

  • Realize abuse can happen in your family or neighborhood.

  • Speak up when something looks or sounds wrong.

DON’T's for older adults

  • Don’t live with a person who has a background of violent behavior or alcohol or drug abuse.

  • Don’t hesitate to tell others if you are abused, mistreated, neglected — your doctor, the clergy, a friend or family member.

  • Don’t leave cash, personal information or

  • valuables lying around.

  • Don’t give friends or family money you need to live on.

  • Don’t sign a document unless someone you trust reads it first.

  • Don’t allow anyone to keep details of your finances or property from you.

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