Protecting Vulnerable Adults

Elder abuse refers to an intentional or negligent act by any person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to an older adult. The trauma of elder abuse can result in premature death, the deterioration of physical and psychological health, destruction of social and familial ties, devastating financial loss, and more. Older adults can be mistreated in multiple settings (homes, nursing homes, assisted living facilities) by family members, friends and neighbors, professionals, and strangers.

Abuse Types

Elder abuse is a term used to describe five subtypes:

Physical Abuse
Psychological Abuse
Sexual Abuse
Financial Exploitation
Neglect and Abandonment

Elder Abuse Red Flags

While no single red flag may signal abuse, observing several may indicate that intervention is required to protect a loved one.

Warning signs of physical abuse

Bruises, black eyes, welts, lacerations, or rope marks
Bone fractures, broken bones, or skull fractures; sprains, dislocations, or internal injuries/bleeding
Open wounds, cuts, punctures, untreated injuries in various stages of healing
Broken eyeglasses/frames, physical signs of being subjected to punishment, or signs of being restrained
Laboratory findings of medication overdose or under-utilization of prescribed drugs
An older adult’s sudden change in behavior
The caregiver's refusal to allow visitors to see or speak to an older adult alone
An older adult’s report of being hit, slapped, kicked, or mistreated

Warning signs of emotional/psychological abuse

Being emotionally upset or agitated
Being extremely withdrawn, non-communicative, or non-responsive
Unusual behavior, such as sucking, biting, or rocking
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
An older adult’s report of being verbally or emotionally mistreated

Warning signs of financial exploitation

Sudden changes in bank accounts or banking practices, including an unexplained withdrawal of large sums of money by a person accompanying the older adult
The inclusion of additional names on an older adult’s bank signature card
Unauthorized withdrawal of the older adult’s funds using their ATM card
Abrupt changes in a will or other financial documents
Unexplained disappearance of funds or valuable possessions
Provision of substandard care or bills left unpaid despite the availability of adequate financial resources
Discovery of a forged signature for financial transactions or for the titles of the older adult’s possessions
Sudden appearance of previously uninvolved relatives claiming their rights to an older adult’s property or possessions
Unexplained sudden transfer of assets to a family member or someone outside the family
The provision of services that are not necessary
An older adult’s report of financial exploitation
Unexplained credit card charges

Warning signs of neglect and abandonment

Dehydration, malnutrition, untreated bed sores, and poor personal hygiene
Unattended or untreated health problems
Hazardous or unsafe living conditions or arrangements (e.g., improper wiring, no heat, or no running water)
Unsanitary and unclean living condition (e.g., dirt, fleas, lice on person, soiled bedding, fecal/urine smell, inadequate clothing)
The desertion of an older adult at a hospital, a nursing facility, or other similar institution, or a shopping center or other public location
An older adult’s report of being neglected or abandoned
Lack of food in the refrigerator or cupboards

Warning signs of sexual abuse

Bruises around the private areas
Unexplained sexually transmitted disease
Changes in an older adult’s demeanor, such as showing fear or becoming withdrawn when a specific person is around
Blood found on sheets, linens, or an older adult’s clothing
An older adult’s report of being sexually assaulted or raped

Resources

Call

If this is an emergency, call 911 for immediate help. For non-life-threatening emergencies, call either:

National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311)

10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Eastern Time | Monday - Friday OR

Eldercare Locator helpline 1-800-677-1116

Report Abuse to Adult Protective Services (APS)

The National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA) provides APS information for all U.S. States and territories. Report Suspected Abuse

Report Financial Exploitation

Find the right reporting agency for financial exploitation through the Elder Abuse Resource Roadmap. Go to the Roadmap

Find Help Near You

Find elder abuse resources in your state or territory. Go to the Locator

Getting Help

If you or a family member identify suspicious activity involving your Citizens State Bank account, contact us immediately.

The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Citizens State Bank and its affiliates, and Citizens State Bank is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of any information contained in this article or items hyperlinked within. This is for informational purposes and is no way intended to provide legal advice.