What's it called when you take advantage of old people? Understanding Elder Abuse

According to the Department of Justice, hundreds of thousands of older Americans are victims of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation each year. This serious and prevalent issue, often concealed from public view, is the formal answer to the question, what's it called when you take advantage of old people?

Quick Summary

Taking advantage of older people is a form of elder abuse, a broad term encompassing many harmful actions. When financial assets are involved, it is called financial exploitation, and it can be carried out by family, caregivers, or strangers.

Key Points

• Elder Abuse is a broad term: Taking advantage of older people is defined as elder abuse, with financial exploitation being a specific and serious type.

• Financial Exploitation is Widespread: Financial exploitation can involve misusing assets, forging documents, and exploiting Power of Attorney, leading to significant financial loss for seniors.

• Vulnerability Factors: Cognitive decline, social isolation, and increased dependence can make older adults more susceptible to exploitation and abuse.

• Look for Warning Signs: Be aware of sudden changes in financial patterns, unexplained physical injuries, or changes in the senior's behavior, which may indicate abuse.

• Report Suspicions: If you suspect elder abuse or financial exploitation, contact Adult Protective Services (APS) or the Eldercare Locator helpline to report your concerns.

• Prevention is Key: Protective measures like monitoring accounts, discussing scams with seniors, and involving a trusted financial third party can help prevent exploitation.

What is Elder Abuse?

Elder abuse is a general term describing intentional or negligent acts that cause harm or a serious risk of harm to an older adult. Taking advantage of an older person can manifest in several ways, including physically, emotionally, or financially. Understanding the different forms of abuse is the first step toward prevention and protection.

Financial Exploitation: A Closer Look

Financial exploitation is a growing and devastating form of elder abuse. It involves the illegal or improper use of an elderly person's funds, property, or assets. Perpetrators can be anyone from family members and caregivers to strangers operating scams over the phone or internet. The impact can be life-altering, causing devastating financial loss that a senior cannot recover from.

Common Financial Exploitation Tactics

• Misuse of assets: Someone with access to the senior's funds uses them for their own benefit, such as paying their own bills or making unauthorized purchases.
• Forging signatures: A person forges the senior's signature on financial documents to access their bank accounts or other assets.
• Abuse of power of attorney: An agent given Power of Attorney abuses their authority to steal the senior's money or change ownership of assets.
• Forcing financial decisions: A relative or caregiver pressures the older adult into making financial decisions against their best interest, such as selling a home or changing a will.
• Online and phone scams: Scammers use a variety of tactics, like the "grandparent scam" or tech support schemes, to trick seniors into giving up personal and financial information.

Other Forms of Elder Abuse

While financial exploitation is a key component, taking advantage of an older person can also include other types of abuse. Awareness of these is critical for recognizing a pattern of mistreatment.

• Emotional or Psychological Abuse: The infliction of anguish, pain, or distress through verbal or non-verbal acts. This can include yelling, threatening, intimidating, or isolating the older adult from friends and family.
• Neglect: The refusal or failure by a caregiver to fulfill their obligations to the elder person. This can involve withholding food, medications, or access to healthcare, leading to poor personal hygiene, malnutrition, and other health issues.
• Abandonment: The desertion of an older person by an individual who has assumed responsibility for their care.
• Physical Abuse: The use of physical force that may result in bodily injury, physical pain, or impairment. This ranges from slapping and pushing to more severe beatings or restraining the person against their will.

How to Recognize the Warning Signs

Spotting elder abuse can be challenging, but certain red flags can signal a problem. Be vigilant for patterns of change in behavior or finances.

Financial Warning Signs

• Unpaid bills or notices of service disconnection despite the older adult having adequate financial resources.
• Sudden, unexplained withdrawals of large sums of money from bank accounts or frequent ATM withdrawals.
• The sudden appearance of new relatives or friends claiming rights to the older adult's property.
• Abrupt changes in a will, trust, or other financial documents, especially if a new or previously uninvolved individual benefits.
• Unauthorized use of the older adult’s credit cards or bank accounts.

Behavioral and Physical Warning Signs

• The older person becomes withdrawn, depressed, or fearful, particularly around a specific caregiver or family member.
• The caregiver is overly controlling, refuses to allow visitors, or speaks for the older adult when they can speak for themselves.
• Unexplained bruises, cuts, pressure marks, or broken bones.
• The elder appears unkempt, malnourished, or dehydrated.
• Signs of over- or under-medication.

Comparison: Healthy vs. Exploitative Relationships

Feature	Healthy Relationship	Exploitative Relationship
Communication	Open, honest, and respectful.	Coercive, intimidating, and secretive.
Financial Management	Collaborative, with transparency and shared decision-making.	Controlled by the abuser, with secrecy around financial matters.
Care & Support	Provided out of love and concern for the senior's well-being.	Given with the expectation of personal gain or financial reward.
Social Interaction	Encourage connections with family, friends, and community.	Isolation from loved ones and control over visitors.
Senior's Well-being	Focus on the senior's happiness and health.	Prioritizes the abuser's needs over the senior's.

What to Do If You Suspect Elder Abuse

If you have concerns about a vulnerable adult, taking action is critical. The following steps can help protect them from further harm.

1. Contact authorities immediately if there is a life-threatening emergency by calling 911.
2. For non-emergencies, report your suspicions to Adult Protective Services (APS). APS agencies are designated in each state to receive and respond to reports of elder abuse. You can find contact information through the Eldercare Locator helpline at 1-800-677-1116.
3. Gather evidence carefully. Document specific incidents, dates, and any financial or behavioral changes you have observed. This information will help investigators.
4. Educate yourself and the senior. Learn about common scams and protective measures. Resources are available from organizations like the Department of Justice, the National Institute on Aging, and other reputable sources. For more information on preventing elder abuse, visit the Department of Justice's Elder Justice Initiative.
5. Consider legal options. Depending on the situation, the older adult or their representatives may need to seek legal advice to address financial abuse or other forms of exploitation.

Conclusion

Understanding what's it called when you take advantage of old people means recognizing the signs of elder abuse, particularly financial exploitation. Vigilance from family, friends, and the community is vital for identifying and preventing this heinous crime. By knowing the warning signs and the proper reporting channels, you can help protect vulnerable seniors and ensure they live in dignity and safety, free from manipulation and harm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is financial exploitation of the elderly?

Financial exploitation of the elderly is the illegal or improper use of an older person's money, assets, or property. This can be done by a family member, caregiver, or a stranger through various scams.

What are some common financial scams targeting seniors?

Common scams include the 'grandparent scam' where an impersonator calls for money, tech support scams demanding remote access to computers and payment, and fraudulent sweepstakes or lottery notifications.

How can I protect an older family member from being exploited?

You can help by monitoring their bank accounts, shredding sensitive documents, discussing common scams with them, and assisting them with creating a trusted financial plan. Educating them about red flags is also crucial.

Who is most at risk for elder abuse?

Seniors who are socially isolated, have cognitive decline, depend on others for care, or are in declining physical health are often at a higher risk of being targeted by abusers and exploiters.

What are the first steps to take if I suspect abuse?

If there is immediate danger, call 911. For non-emergencies, contact your local Adult Protective Services (APS) to report your suspicions. You can find their contact information through the Eldercare Locator helpline.

Can elder abuse be committed by a family member?

Yes. A significant portion of elder abuse, particularly financial exploitation, is committed by family members or trusted individuals in a position of authority, such as a Power of Attorney.

What is the difference between elder abuse and neglect?

Elder abuse is an intentional act causing harm, while neglect is the failure to meet the basic needs of a dependent older person. Both, however, are criminal and seriously endanger a senior's well-being.