Elder abuse is the mistreatment of older adults through physical, emotional, sexual, or financial harm, as well as neglect and abandonment. Approximately 1 in 10 Americans over age 60 experiences some form of elder abuse, though most cases go unreported.
50 steps across 8 sections
1. Learn to Recognize the Types of Abuse
- Physical abuse Hitting, pushing, restraining, force-feeding; signs include unexplained bruises, fractures, burns
- Emotional/psychological abuse Verbal threats, humiliation, isolation, intimidation; signs include fearfulness, withdrawal, depression
- Financial exploitation Stealing money, forging signatures, coercing changes to wills, scams; signs include unexplained withdrawals, missing possessions, sudden changes to financial documents
- Sexual abuse Non-consensual sexual contact; signs include bruising in genital area, STIs, behavioral changes
- Neglect Failure to provide food, water, shelter, medical care, hygiene; signs include malnutrition, dehydration, unsanitary conditions, untreated medical conditions
- Self-neglect Older adult fails to care for themselves; may require intervention
2. Know the Warning Signs
- Unexplained injuries (bruises, cuts, fractures) inconsistent with explanations
- Sudden changes in mood, personality, or behavior
- Withdrawal from social activities and isolation from friends/family
- Poor hygiene, unkempt appearance, or strong body odor
- Unexpected weight loss or signs of dehydration/malnutrition
- Unexplained financial transactions, missing money, or new "friends" managing finances
- Fear or anxiety around specific caregivers
- Caregiver not allowing the elder to speak privately with others
3. Take Preventive Measures
- Stay connected: Maintain regular contact with elderly loved ones; isolation is the top risk factor
- Vet caregivers: Run background checks, verify references, check credentials
- Monitor finances: Set up account alerts, review statements regularly, consider a trusted financial advisor
- Know the caregiver: Research the licensing, inspection reports, and complaint history of any care facility
- Use technology: Consider cameras in common areas (legal with consent), account monitoring apps, medical alert systems
- Establish a strong support network of family, friends, and community connections
4. Document Suspected Abuse
- Keep detailed written notes of observations with dates, times, and descriptions
- Photograph visible injuries or unsafe conditions (when safe to do so)
- Save medical records documenting injuries or conditions
- Preserve financial records showing irregularities
- Record conversations if legally permitted in your state (check one-party vs. two-party consent laws)
- Document the names and roles of all involved parties
5. Report Suspected Abuse
- Adult Protective Services (APS) Every state has APS to investigate abuse — find your local APS at napsa-now.org or call the Eldercare Locator
- Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116 (connects to local resources)
- 911 Call immediately if someone is in immediate danger
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman For abuse in nursing homes or assisted living facilities
- State licensing boards Report licensed facilities or professionals
- Law enforcement File a police report for criminal conduct (assault, theft, fraud)
6. Seek Legal Protection
- Obtain a protective/restraining order against the abuser
- Contact an elder law attorney for legal options
- Review and update power of attorney documents (revoke if the agent is the abuser)
- Consider guardianship/conservatorship if the elder cannot make decisions
- Report financial exploitation to the bank — many have elder abuse prevention programs
- Contact the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for financial abuse (consumerfinance.gov)
7. Access Support Services
- Adult Protective Services can coordinate safety planning and services
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (for domestic situations)
- Victim advocacy services through local prosecutors' offices
- Counseling and mental health support for abuse survivors
- Legal aid organizations for low-income seniors
- Support groups for abuse survivors and their families
8. Create Ongoing Protections
- Set up financial safeguards: dual signatures on accounts, financial alerts, trusted contact designations at banks
- Regularly visit and check on elderly loved ones
- Maintain open communication so the elder feels safe disclosing problems
- Educate elderly family members about common scams and financial exploitation tactics
- Review care arrangements periodically
- Keep legal documents updated and stored securely
Common Mistakes
- Assuming abuse only happens in nursing homes
- Waiting for certainty before reporting
- Not believing the elder
- Confronting the abuser directly
- Ignoring financial red flags
Pro Tips
- Set up a "trusted contact" at your elderly loved one's brokerage and bank — t...
- FINRA rule 2165 allows financial firms to place temporary holds on disburseme...
- Many banks now have elder financial exploitation prevention programs — ask ab...
- Install a video doorbell and motion-activated cameras to monitor who enters t...
- Use a registered fiduciary financial advisor rather than giving financial pow...