Everyone has the right to age with dignity. But each year, approximately 5 million (or 1 in 10) older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Since elder abuse is known to be under-reported, the actual numbers are likely much higher.
To raise awareness about the elder abuse epidemic, the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization (WHO) designated June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. This June, celebrate by educating yourself and your loved ones about elder abuse, as well as the heightened challenges seniors face as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Red Flags of Abuse
Whether sexual, physical, economic, elder abuse and neglect are often obscured. Being aware of common elder abuse warning signs makes it much easier to determine whether a loved one is being harmed. Red flags to look out for include:
- Isolation or unresponsiveness
- Dirtiness, dehydration, or poor living conditions
- Physical injuries like cuts, burns, or broken bones
- Torn, stained, or bloody underclothing
- Unusual changes in bank account, money management, or will
If you identify abuse, report it to Adult Protective Services (APS) or the Long-Term Care Ombudsmen. You can get the contact information for your local agencies from Eldercare Locator.
Risk Factors for Elder Abuse
While any older adult is potentially at risk for elder abuse or neglect, certain demographics, such as women and people older than 80, face an increased risk. Health factors like dementia and physical health problems tend to increase isolation. Some of the most common risk factors include:
- Dementia
- Physical or mental disability
- Substance abuse issues (of victim and/or perpetrator)
- Social isolation
- Poor physical health
- Identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT)
Acknowledging these factors makes apparent the reality that not all demographics are equally affected by the threat of gender abuse. It is also important to address the role that cultural legacies may play in abuse and neglect, without stereotyping. For example, according to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), a study found that Latinos were less likely to report verbal and financial mistreatment when compared to white seniors.
Steps to Preventing Abuse
It’s easy to hear about the problems of elder abuse and neglect and not know what the average person can do to help. In their World Elder Abuse Awareness Day educational materials, NCEA provides a flyer listing 12 things everyone can do to prevent elder abuse. These ideas include:
- Learn the signs of elder abuse and neglect
- Use your platform to share World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, whether that means writing a to a local newspaper or posting on social media
- Hire an elder law attorney to ensure their long-term care is in their best interest.
- Call or visit older loved ones regularly to help prevent social isolation
- Volunteer in a nursing home or visit homebound elders
Helping the Elderly During COVID-19
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic creates unique challenges in the fight against elder abuse. Although much is still unknown about SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 disease, it is almost certainly more deadly for seniors: so far, 8 out of 10 COVID-19 deaths in the United States have been among those age 65 or older.
Fighting COVID-19 requires social distancing, staying home, and keeping vulnerable individuals safe from exposure through physical isolation. But this separation creates a dangerous environment for elder abuse to spread, since abusers thrive off isolating their victims.
Everyone can do something to help protect from the effects of isolation while also keeping them physically safe from coronavirus. Suggestions recommended by experts include:
- Practice self-isolation and social distancing, especially if you are a caregiver (even if you are not in a high-risk group yourself)
- Teach seniors how to use technologies like Zoom and FaceTime for social connection
- Encourage elderly loved ones to talk to their doctors about COVID-19, to help ensure they have factual, up-to-date information
- Support charities that help seniors, like food banks and Meals on Wheels
- Provide a supportive, listening ear as loved ones navigate the stress of the pandemic
While 2020 certainly poses unique challenges to everyone in society, it’s important to remember our elders’ needs during this time. Celebrating and spreading the message of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15th can help provide the community education needed to ensure our older loved ones are well-cared for as they age.