How to tell if someone is taking advantage of an elderly person? A guide to recognizing and preventing abuse

According to the National Council on Aging, financial exploitation is a serious problem for older Americans, with a significant number of incidents going unreported. Knowing how to tell if someone is taking advantage of an elderly person is crucial for protecting vulnerable adults from harm.

Quick Summary

This guide details common warning signs of elder abuse, including financial exploitation, emotional manipulation, and neglect. It covers behavioral changes in both the elder and caregiver, provides a comparison of abuse types, and explains the steps to take if you suspect a problem.

Key Points

• Look for Sudden Financial Changes: Unexplained bank withdrawals, unpaid bills, or sudden changes to a will can indicate financial exploitation.

• Observe Behavioral Shifts: Uncharacteristic depression, anxiety, fear, or withdrawal can signal emotional abuse or isolation.

• Check for Physical and Environmental Neglect: Be aware of dehydration, poor hygiene, untreated health issues, and unsanitary living conditions.

• Watch the Caregiver's Actions: A new or controlling person who isolates the elder from family and friends may be a warning sign.

• Document and Report Suspicions: If you suspect abuse, document evidence and contact Adult Protective Services (APS) or law enforcement. Reporting can be anonymous.

• Reduce Social Isolation: Staying in close contact and encouraging social interaction can protect a senior from vulnerability to abuse.

Recognizing the Types of Elder Abuse

Elder abuse encompasses a range of harmful behaviors, often carried out by someone in a position of trust, such as a family member, caregiver, or new acquaintance. The abuse can be financial, emotional, physical, or involve neglect. Understanding the different forms can help you identify specific warning signs.

Financial Exploitation

This is one of the most common forms of elder abuse. The exploitation can range from minor theft to the total depletion of a senior's life savings.

Key indicators of financial abuse include:

• Sudden, unexplained changes in bank accounts, large withdrawals, or transfers.
• New joint accounts or credit cards opened without the senior's knowledge or consent.
• Unusual or suspicious signatures on checks or other financial documents.
• Unpaid bills or eviction notices, despite the senior having sufficient funds.
• Missing cash, valuables, or property from the home.
• Sudden changes to a will, power of attorney, or other estate planning documents.
• A previously uninvolved relative or new “friend” taking a keen interest in the elder's financial matters.

Emotional and Psychological Abuse

Emotional abuse inflicts mental pain, anguish, or distress through verbal or non-verbal acts. It can be subtle and difficult to prove but is profoundly damaging to the senior's well-being.

Signs of emotional and psychological abuse include:

• Heightened levels of agitation, anxiety, or depression in the senior.
• The senior becomes withdrawn, non-communicative, or non-responsive.
• Witnessing a caregiver belittling, insulting, or threatening the older adult.
• The caregiver isolates the senior from family, friends, or regular activities.
• The senior shows unusual behavior, such as rocking or sucking, which can indicate distress.

Neglect and Abandonment

Neglect is the refusal or failure of a caregiver to provide necessary goods and services, such as food, water, shelter, medicine, or personal hygiene. Abandonment is the desertion of the senior by the person responsible for their care.

Signs of neglect and abandonment:

• Dehydration, malnutrition, or unusual weight loss.
• Untreated or unattended health problems and poor personal hygiene.
• Hazardous, unsafe, or unsanitary living conditions.
• Inadequate clothing or covering for the weather.
• The desertion of an older adult in a public or institutional setting.

Behavioral Warning Signs in Perpetrators

Often, the perpetrator's own behavior can offer clues to their exploitative actions. Abusers are frequently family members, friends, or caregivers.

Look for these warning signs in the alleged abuser:

• They show an unusual interest in the elder's financial resources.
• They become controlling, refusing to allow visitors to speak with the senior alone.
• They have pre-existing financial problems or substance abuse issues.
• They have a history of domestic violence or criminal activity.
• They create excuses to prevent the elder from leaving the home or speaking with others.

How to Approach and Resolve the Issue

If you suspect someone is taking advantage of an elderly person, approach the situation with sensitivity and caution. The first step is to gently and privately speak with the senior. If they seem hesitant or afraid, do not push them, as this could worsen their situation.

• Gather evidence. Document suspicious financial transactions, unexplained injuries, or behavioral changes.
• Consult professionals. Reach out to legal experts, social workers, or Adult Protective Services (APS) for guidance. Remember that reporting can be done anonymously.
• Create a support network. Ensure the elder has access to a reliable network of friends and family to reduce social isolation, a major risk factor for abuse.
• Understand state laws. Definitions and reporting procedures for elder abuse vary by state. Research local laws and resources to know your rights and responsibilities.

Comparing Types of Elder Abuse

Aspect	Financial Exploitation	Emotional Abuse	Neglect	Physical Abuse
Core Action	Illegal or improper use of funds/assets.	Inflicting mental pain or anguish.	Failing to provide necessary care.	Inflicting physical injury or pain.
Signs in Elder	Unexplained financial losses, unpaid bills.	Fear, anxiety, depression, withdrawal.	Dehydration, malnutrition, poor hygiene.	Bruises, fractures, cuts, burns.
Perpetrator's Action	Unauthorized withdrawals, asset transfers.	Threats, humiliation, isolation.	Withholding food, medicine, or care.	Hitting, kicking, inappropriate restraints.
Evidence	Financial statements, legal documents, missing items.	Behavioral changes, senior's testimony.	Unsanitary living conditions, health records.	Medical records, visible injuries.
Reporting Body	Adult Protective Services (APS), law enforcement.	APS, law enforcement.	APS, law enforcement.	APS, law enforcement, 911.

Conclusion

Understanding how to tell if someone is taking advantage of an elderly person is essential for safeguarding their well-being and dignity. By staying vigilant for financial irregularities, behavioral changes, and signs of neglect, you can intervene and protect your loved ones from harm. Remember that help is available and that reporting suspected abuse to Adult Protective Services or law enforcement can make a significant difference. Taking action, whether by gently speaking with the senior or contacting professionals, is a vital step toward ensuring a safe and secure environment for older adults. For more information, visit the Elder Justice Initiative on the U.S. Department of Justice website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common form of elder exploitation?

Financial exploitation is one of the most prevalent forms of elder abuse, often involving the misuse of a senior's money, property, or assets.

How can I tell if a new caregiver is a threat?

Be cautious if a new caregiver isolates the senior from family and friends, shows an unusual interest in their finances, or discourages private conversations.

What should I do if I suspect a family member is taking advantage of my parent?

Gather evidence of suspicious activity, speak with your parent privately if possible, and contact Adult Protective Services (APS) for guidance. Do not confront the suspected abuser alone.

What are some subtle signs of emotional abuse?

Subtle signs include the elder showing fear around a specific person, withdrawing from social interactions, or exhibiting unusual behaviors like rocking or mumbling.

Is it possible to report elder abuse anonymously?

Yes, in most states, you can file an anonymous report with Adult Protective Services (APS) to investigate suspected elder abuse.

What are the first steps to take if the situation is life-threatening?

If an elderly person is in immediate, life-threatening danger, you should call 9-1-1 or your local law enforcement immediately.

How can I prevent my elderly loved one from being taken advantage of?

Staying in close contact, managing finances together (with proper authorization), and encouraging social connections can significantly reduce the risk of abuse.

What if my parent has dementia and can't explain what is happening?

In cases of cognitive impairment, it is even more important to be vigilant for external signs of abuse, such as changes in finances or behavior. APS can investigate and provide support.