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SENIOR ABUSE
Who do I contact if I think a senior is being abused?
Call 911 or 1-800-510-2020. Elder abuse is the physical or psychological mistreatment of a senior, and can include taking financial advantage or neglecting the care of a senior.
How do I determine if an elder is being abused?
There are several types of abuse to elders, not just physical. The following abuse indicators are taken from elder abuse information provided by The National Clearinghouse on Family Violence, Health and Welfare Canada:
Physical Abuse Indicators
- frequent unexplained injuries (bruises, broken limbs, welts, cuts, and grip marks), accompanied by a habit of seeking medical assistance from a variety of locations
- reluctance to seek medical treatment for injuries or denial of their existence
- disorientation or grogginess (may indicate the misuse of medication)
- fear and edginess in the presence of a caregiver or family member
Psychosocial Abuse Indicators
- exclusion of an elderly person from discussions on major decisions
- absence of emotional warmth toward the elder
- social isolation - whether physically or emotionally imposed
- verbal assault (shouting, speaking to the senior as if they are babies or children, degrading remarks)
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Material Abuse Indicators
- cashing of pension checks without proper authorization from the elder
- bills and expenses continuously unpaid
- standard of living not appropriate for an elder's income level
- sudden sale of property belonging to an elderly person
- sudden revision of the elder's will, naming a new beneficiary
- disproportionately high contribution by the elder to household expenses
- granting of power of attorney under suspicious conditions
Indicators of Neglect
- malnutrition in an elderly person who cannot get food without help
- decline in personal hygiene
- disregard of elder in family affairs
- lack of needed medication or aids
- lack of material needs of life
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What can I do about elder abuse?
You can go to the police or contact Kings/Tulare Area Agency on Aging (1-800-510-2020) for help. You can also call the toll-free National Eldercare Locator Hotline (1-800-677-1116), which will give you information on who to turn to in your area.
Where do I find more information on elder abuse?
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