What You Should Know 

 

What is Elder Abuse, Neglect and Financial Exploitation?

Abuse is any repeated behavior used to control you physically, sexually or emotionally. Neglect is a caregiver's refusal to provide for your safety, physical or emotional needs. Exploitation is stealing money or property or using money as a way to maintain control. 

Did you Know?

• Elder Abuse is an under-recognized problem with consequences that can be devastating and even life-threatening.
• Elder Abuse doesn't discriminate - it affects senior citizens across all socio-economic groups, cultures and races.
• 90% of elder abuse happens at the hands of family members. 
• Elder Abuse can occur anywhere, but most often goes undetected at home. 
• Elderly persons are abused at a disproportionately higher rate than younger adults; 14% of adults over 60 have been abused, and this number grows to 50% of individuals with dementia. 
• A recent New York State prevalence study of elder abuse determined that only 1 of approximately 24 incidents comes to the attention of authorities.
• Billions of dollars are lost annually to elder financial exploitation. 

What To Look For 

• Unexplained injuries, bruises or burns
• Excessive fears, withdrawal, agitation 
• Sudden inability to pay bills, buy food or personal items
• Isolation and withdrawal from people and activities
• Changes in appetite; unusual weight gain or loss
• Poor personal hygiene 
• Unaware of personal finances
• Changes in behavior around a family member/caregiver

Risk Factors

Elder Abuse can happen to anyone! You may be more at risk to experience abuse because you may:

• Not be able to defend yourself 
• Be isolated 
• Be less able to escape 
• Be dependent on others 
• Fear that you may not be taken seriously 
• Fear what could happen to you if you report abuse