What is Elder Abuse?

Elder abuse is any form of mistreatment resulting in harm or loss to an older person; it includes physical/emotional abuse, neglect, self-neglect and financial abuse.

Each year, nearly a quarter-million Californians are victims of elder or dependent adult abuse. More than two-thirds of abusers are family members. In Sonoma County, over 70% of suspected abusers are family members, 30% are paid caregivers and others.

Physical/emotional abuse is:

• Assault and battery
• Physical or sexual assault or non-consensual sexual contact
• Inappropriate physical restraint
• Unreasonable deprivation of food or water
• Abduction
• Domestic violence
• Willful infliction of mental suffering by threat, humiliation, or other verbal or non-verbal contact

Warning signs of physical/emotional abuse:

• Poor hygiene: dirty; unkempt hair, clothes or skin; foul-smelling odor
• Untreated medical conditions
• Scratches or other marks, bruises, or injuries
• Burn marks caused by ropes, cigarettes, or hot water
• Unexplained injuries or injuries that leave an outline of an object
• Malnourishment
• Restricted contact or withdrawn from family and friends
• Verbal threats or intimidation
• Imposing fear, isolation or emotional distress
• Confinement
• Confused, forgetful

Neglect is:

• Isolation
• Withdrawal of emotional support
• Refusal by caregiver to assist in personal hygiene
• Refusal by caregiver to provide adequate clothes and shelter
• Refusal by caregiver to protect from health and safety hazards
• Unwillingness to prevent malnutrition or dehydration

Self-neglect is:

• Failure to provide for one's own essential needs
• Untreated medical conditions
• Poor hygiene: dirty; unkempt hair, clothes or skin; foul-smelling odor
• Malnourishment
• Isolation

Warning signs of neglect and self-neglect:

• Withdrawn, confused, forgetful
• Depression
• Angry, frightened, secretive
• Reluctant to speak freely
• Malnourished, dehydrated

Financial abuse is:

• Illegal or improper use of an older person's funds, property, or assets
• Embezzlement
• Manipulation
• Telemarketing fraud
• Identity theft
• Predatory lending
• Home improvement scams
• Estate planning scams

Warning signs of financial abuse:

• Unusual bank account activity
• Appearance of forged signature
• Signed checks or documents which the elder could not understand or sign
• Lack of adequate clothing or hygiene supplies
• Numerous unpaid bills, eviction notices, discontinued utilities
• Change in spending habits
• Appearance of a stranger who offers to manage finances and assets of elders