Every Older Adult Deserves Safety and Respect
Elder abuse is more common than many people realize. Sadly, it can happen at home, in a care facility, or anywhere an older adult depends on someone else.
No one deserves to be hurt, ignored, or taken advantage of. Every older adult deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued.
Learning about elder abuse can help you protect yourself or someone you love. The sooner you notice the warning signs, the sooner help can begin.
What Is Elder Abuse?
Elder abuse happens when someone harms an older adult. It can also happen when a caregiver fails to provide proper care.
The abuse may be physical, emotional, sexual, financial, or through neglect.
Sometimes the person causing the abuse is a family member. Other times it may be a caregiver, friend, neighbor, or someone in a position of trust.
No matter who causes it, elder abuse is never okay.
Types of Elder Abuse
There are several forms of elder abuse.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse includes hitting, pushing, shaking, burning, or causing any injury.
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse includes yelling, threatening, humiliating, controlling, or isolating an older adult.
Financial Abuse
Financial abuse happens when someone steals money, pressures an older adult to sign papers, or takes control of their finances without permission.
Neglect
Neglect happens when someone fails to provide food, medicine, clean clothing, shelter, or medical care.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is any unwanted sexual contact with an older adult.
Abandonment
Abandonment happens when someone leaves an older adult without the care they need.
Warning Signs of Elder Abuse
Watch for these common warning signs:
- Bruises or injuries with no clear explanation
- Poor hygiene
- Weight loss
- Fear around certain people
- Sudden sadness or anxiety
- Pulling away from family or friends
- Missing money
- Unpaid bills
- Changes to wills or bank accounts
- Unsafe living conditions
- Missed medications
- Poor medical care
One warning sign does not always mean abuse. However, several warning signs together should never be ignored.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Anyone can become a victim of elder abuse.
However, the risk is higher for older adults who:
- Live alone
- Have dementia
- Need daily care
- Depend on others for money
- Have few friends or family nearby
- Feel isolated
Because isolation increases risk, regular visits and phone calls matter.
What Should You Do?
If you think someone is being abused:
- Stay calm.
- Listen carefully.
- Believe what they tell you.
- Write down what you notice.
- Talk with a doctor, social worker, or trusted professional.
- Contact Adult Protective Services.
- Call 911 if the person is in immediate danger.
Taking action could save someone’s life.
How You Can Help
Your support can make a real difference.
You can:
- Listen without judging.
- Offer kindness and patience.
- Help them find resources.
- Respect their choices.
- Stay connected.
- Check in often.
Many older adults simply need someone who cares enough to notice.
Financial Abuse Is Growing
Money abuse is becoming more common.
Watch for:
- Missing cash
- New credit cards
- Strange bank withdrawals
- Pressure to change legal papers
- Someone taking control of bills
- Missing personal belongings
If something feels wrong, ask questions. Then seek professional help.
Dementia Can Increase Risk
People living with dementia often need extra protection.
Memory loss can make it harder to report abuse or explain what happened.
Because of this, family members should visit often, stay involved, and watch for sudden changes in health, mood, or behavior.
Help Is Available
No one should face elder abuse alone.
If you need help, speak with someone you trust. You can also contact Adult Protective Services, your local aging agency, law enforcement, or a healthcare provider.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 right away.
Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength.
LCH-Elder Care Resources
The LCH-Elder Care ecosystem offers education, tools, and support for older adults, caregivers, families, and professionals.
You’ll find resources on:
- Elder abuse awareness
- Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
- Caregiver stress
- Healthy aging
- Grief and loss
- Mental wellness
- Books and educational materials
- Mobile app support
- Community resources
Together, we can help older adults live with dignity, safety, hope, and respect.
