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About Abuse

Elder Abuse

Updated: 
August 15, 2019

How common is abuse among older adults?

The National Council on Aging reports that one in ten Americans aged 60+ have experienced some form of elder abuse. However, only one in 24 cases are reported to the authorities. In almost 60% of older person abuse and neglect incidents, the perpetrator is a family member and most likely an adult child or spouse. Other times, abuse happens in institutions, such as residential care, hospitals, and daycare facilities.1

1 “Elder Abuse Facts,” National Council on Aging

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How can I recognize if an older person is being abused?

Here are some common signs of abuse that an older adult may show. Please note that some of the symptoms listed below contain graphic descriptions of injuries related to sexual abuse and might be a trigger for some readers. Because the older adult might not be able to report the abuse, it’s important that loved ones know to watch out for these signs that may indicate sexually abusive behavior: 

  • Physical abuse:
    • bruises, especially when bruises are grouped in one area or in regular patterns, black eyes, welts;
    • lacerations;
    • open wounds, cuts, punctures, or other untreated injuries at different stages of healing;
    • sprains, dislocations, or internal injuries/bleeding;
    • broken eyeglasses/frames;
    • signs of being restrained, like rope marks; 
    • laboratory findings of medication overdose or under-utilization of prescribed drugs;
    • sudden changes in behavior;
    • partner’s/caregiver’s refusal to allow visitors to be alone with the older adult; or
    • the older adult’s report of being physically abused or mistreated.
  • Sexual abuse:
    • bruises around the breasts or genital area;
    • unexplained venereal disease or genital infections;
    • unexplained vaginal or anal bleeding;
    • changes in behavior, such as showing fear or becoming withdrawn when a specific person is around;
    • evidence of pornographic material being shown to an older adult with diminished capacity;
    • blood found on sheets, linens, or clothing; or
    • an older adult’s report of being sexually abused or assaulted.
  • Emotional/psychological abuse:
    • being emotionally upset, agitated, or in fear of a specific person, usually the abuser;
    • being extremely withdrawn, non-communicative, or non-responsive;
    • unusual behavior, such as sucking, biting, rocking;
    • witnessing a caregiver controlling or isolating an older adult;
    • exhibiting a change in sleeping patterns or eating habits;
    • personality changes, such as apologizing excessively;
    • depression or anxiety; or
    • the older adult’s report of being verbally, emotionally, or psychologically mistreated.
  • Financial abuse/exploitation:
    • sudden changes in bank accounts or banking practices, including unexplained withdrawals of large sums of money by a person accompanying the older adult;
    • unexpectedly including other people on an older adult’s bank account;
    • unauthorized withdrawals of the older adult’s funds using his/her ATM card;
    • abrupt changes in a will or other financial documents;
    • unexplained disappearance of funds or valuable possessions;
    • bills left unpaid despite the availability of adequate financial resources;
    • forged signatures on financial transactions or on the title of the older adult’s car, home, etc.;
    • relatives claiming the rights to an older adult’s property or possessions;
    • unexplained sudden transfer of assets to a family member or someone outside the family;
    • misuse of the older adult’s money for services that are not needed; or
    • an older adult’s report of financial abuse or exploitation.
  • Neglect and abandonment:
    • dehydration, malnutrition, untreated bed sores, or poor personal hygiene;
    • unattended or untreated health problems;
    • hazardous or unsafe living conditions/arrangements, for example having improper wiring, no heat, or no running water;
    • unsanitary and unclean living conditions, like dirt, fleas, lice, soiled bedding, fecal/urine smell, inadequate clothing, etc.;
    • abandoning the older adult at a hospital, nursing facility, or other similar institution, or at a shopping center or other public location; or
    • an older adult’s report of being neglected or abandoned.1

Signs of abuse in an older adult could be mistaken for normal issues with aging or medical issues, such as dementia, frailty, or other problems related to age. Therefore, signs of abuse may need to be compared to the older adult’s typical behavior, and considered in light of his/her mental and physical health. A medical specialist can determine whether or not symptoms that might mirror “typical aging” are in fact caused by dementia, or a similar condition. If all medical conditions are ruled out, this may make it more likely that abuse is the cause for the older adult’s behavior.

If you are concerned that an older adult is being abused, or if you are an older adult who is being abused/neglected, there are organizations and people who care and can help. Please consider the following options:

  • tell your doctor, a friend, or a family member you trust;
  • locate help near you through this Eldercare Locator from the US Administration on Aging; or
  • contact the local Adult Protective Services office.

1 “Red Flags of Elder Abuse,” US Department of Justice

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What factors put older adults at higher risk of being abused?

There may be certain risk factors that make a caregiver more likely to abuse an older adult in both the home and in professional care environments, such as:

  • current and untreated mental illness;
  • current alcohol abuse;
  • lack of patience;
  • having a “short temper;”
  • lack of preparation and training for caregiving responsibilities;
  • caregiving from an early age;
  • lack of coping skills;
  • exposure to abuse as a child;
  • financial or emotional dependence on a vulnerable older adult;
  • a history of disruptive behavior;
  • lack of social and institutional support;
  • lack of formal services in the community for caregivers, like respite care, frequent breaks, or shift changes at a nursing home;
  • an environment that tolerates or accepts aggressive behavior;
  • lack of administrative or community oversight for healthcare personnel, guardians, or other people responsible for an older adult’s care;
  • isolation from friends, family, or a support network;
  • negative or unsympathetic beliefs about older adults and aging; and
  • under-staffing, staff burnout, and stressful working conditions.1

1 This information was adapted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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