Types of Elder Abuse and How To Recognize Them

Elder abuse affects millions of older adults, and some may not recognize that they are experiencing abuse. According to the World Health Organization, about 1 in 6 people aged 60 and older experienced some form of abuse in community settings during the past year. 

Elder abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional or psychological, financial, and sexual abuse, as well as neglect. 

The warning signs of abuse are not always obvious, especially when the person causing harm is someone the older adult knows and trusts. Learning about the different types of elder abuse and their warning signs can help you recognize concerning changes in your loved one’s health, behavior, finances, or overall well-being.

What Are the Different Types of Elder Abuse? 

Elder abuse can take many forms, and the signs are not always obvious. Here are some of the most common types of elder abuse, signs to watch out for, and steps to take if you are concerned:

Physical Abuse

Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or other injuries may be signs of physical abuse, particularly when injuries occur repeatedly, or the explanation for them is unclear or inconsistent. You may also notice changes in behavior, such as your loved one becoming fearful or anxious around certain people or flinching from touch. Physical abuse can include hitting, pushing, kicking, burning, or using excessive or unnecessary force while providing care. An older adult experiencing abuse may be reluctant to talk about what happened or downplay the incident, particularly if they depend on or fear the person causing harm. 

If you suspect physical abuse, speak with your loved one privately and give them an opportunity to tell you what happened in their own words. Encourage them to see a healthcare provider who can evaluate and document any injuries. You can also report your concerns to your local Adult Protective Services agency or law enforcement. If you believe your loved one is in immediate danger or needs urgent medical attention, it is important to call 911. 

Emotional or Psychological Abuse

Emotional or psychological abuse can leave an older adult feeling afraid, intimidated, humiliated, or isolated, even when their physical needs are being met. Emotional abuse can include insults, threats, belittling, controlling behavior, intimidation, or deliberately isolating someone from their friends, family, or social activities. Warning signs can include becoming unusually withdrawn, anxious, fearful, or hesitant to speak around a particular person. Your loved one may also apologize frequently, seem less confident, or suddenly lose interest in activities and relationships they once enjoyed. 

If you are concerned about emotional abuse, talk with your loved one privately and give them the space to describe what they are experiencing. It is important to listen without judgment and reassure them that they deserve to feel safe and be treated with dignity and respect. If you suspect ongoing emotional abuse, keep a record of concerning incidents and consider contacting Adult Protective Services or another trusted professional who can help. 

Financial Abuse or Exploitation 

Financial abuse occurs when someone improperly or illegally uses an older adult’s money, property, or other assets for their own benefit. It can include stealing money or belongings, using bank accounts, credit cards, or checks without permission, forging their signature, changing their will, or pressuring them into signing financial or legal documents. 

Warning signs may include unpaid bills, missing belongings or money, unfamiliar charges or withdrawals on bank statements, or unexpected changes to legal or financial documents. Open communication is an important part of financial caregiving. 

Review financial statements with your loved one and calmly ask about transactions or changes they do not recognize. If you suspect fraud or unauthorized activity, contact the financial institution’s fraud department to report suspicious activity and ask what protective steps may be available. Keep copies of all documents and consult an attorney for additional help if needed.

Sexual Abuse

Older adults who rely on others for care or have cognitive impairments may be particularly vulnerable to sexual abuse. Sexual abuse includes any unwanted sexual contact or activity, as well as sexual activity without consent. 

Possible warning signs include injuries or bleeding around the genitals, sexually transmitted infections, torn or stained clothing, sudden fear of a specific person, or unusual distress during bathing, dressing, or other personal care. Behavioral changes such as withdrawal, anxiety, or agitation may also be concerning, although these signs can have many possible causes. 

If you suspect sexual abuse, stay calm and listen to your loved one without judgment. Avoid pressuring them to provide details, especially if they are uncomfortable sharing what happened.  Help them get to a safe place and seek prompt medical attention, particularly if the suspected abuse was recent. Report suspected abuse to the appropriate authorities and contact a local sexual assault hotline for additional support. 

Neglect

Regularly going without adequate food or water, remaining in soiled clothing or bedding, or missing necessary medications because needed assistance is not provided can all be signs of neglect. 

Neglect often occurs when a caregiver fails to provide essential care or assistance, resulting in harm or putting an older adult’s health or safety at risk. Neglect may sometimes be intentional, but it can also occur when a caregiver lacks the skills, resources, or support needed to provide adequate care. 

If you are concerned about neglect, talk with your loved one privately about whether their needs are being met and what happens when they ask for help. Make sure immediate needs such as food, water, hygiene items, and medical help are reliably accessible. Depending on the situation, additional help from family members, healthcare professionals, or professional caregivers may be needed. It may also help to provide modern solutions that help seniors age in place. Report suspected neglect that puts your loved one’s health or safety at risk to your local Adult Protective Services agency.

Healthcare Fraud, Abuse, and Improper Care 

An unfamiliar charge on a medical bill may be a simple administrative error. However, repeated unexplained charges, services your loved one did not receive, or other discrepancies could signal healthcare fraud or abuse. Healthcare fraud can include billing for services not provided, duplicate or false claims, or using an older adult’s insurance information without authorization. Other concerning practices may include refusing to provide appropriate care or performing procedures without consent or a legitimate medical reason. 

Offer to help your loved one review medical bills, insurance statements, treatment notes, and provider information. Ask the healthcare provider to clarify any questions or discrepancies involving bills or procedures. You may report suspicious charges to the insurer or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. If you’re concerned about the quality of care your loved one is receiving, get another medical opinion and save all your communications.

Conclusion 

Understanding the different types of elder abuse and their warning signs can help you recognize when a loved one may need help. Pay attention to unexplained changes in your loved one’s physical condition, demeanor, behavior, finances, or usual routine. Some signs may be obvious, while others can be easy to dismiss or misinterpret. 

If you notice something is off, start by talking to your loved one privately and writing down your concerns. Then seek appropriate help based on the situation. If you believe your loved one is in immediate danger or needs urgent medical attention, call 911. For suspected abuse or neglect that is not an immediate emergency, contact your local Adult Protective Services agency or other appropriate authorities.