1. Elderly Abuse
By Maria Elena Castro

2. Definition of Elderly Abuse
Elderly abuse can be defined as negligent or intentional acts performed by a caregiver or someone that is trusted, that result in harm to a vulnerable elderly person.
Elder abuse is also known as:
Elder Mistreatment
Senior Abuse
Abuse in later life
Abuse of older adults
Elderly Abuse is a serious crime that should be reported immediately.
Some elders do not report abuse because they are scared that no one will believe them.

3. Types of Elder Abuse
There are many types of abuse that elders can experiences. The most common form abuse that often occur is neglect.
Some examples of neglect are:
Failure to provide medical care.
Failure to assist in personal hygiene and provide clothing and shelter.
Failure to protect from health and safety hazards.
Other formsof abuse are; physical abuse, financial exploitation, emotional abuse, and sexual abuse.
Any person that suspects any kind of abuse should immediately be reported, before the abuse escalates even more.

4. Warning Signs Physical Warning Signs: Poor skin condition or hygiene
Unkempt or dirty
Foul smelling
Uncombed or matted hair
scratches , blisters, or pinch marks
Torn or bloody clothing
Behavioral Warning Signs:
Withdrawing
Frightening
Depressed
Helpless or angry
Secretive
Warning Signs

5. Stop the Violence

6. Common Abusers Common abusers can be family members.
Some elderly people stay silent sometimes to protect abusive family members from legal consequences of their crime.
Some stay silent scared of not being believed and facing the abuser later.
Abusers can take advantage of the financial state of an elderly person in long-care facility.
By stealing their identity and committing fraud.

7. Who is at risk?
The average age that an elder can be in risk is at age 78.
67% of victims are female
Elder people who have memory problems (Dementia and Alzheimer’s)
Who has a shared living situation
Who has depression, loneliness, or lack of social support.
Who have physical disabilities
Abuses of alcohol or other substances

8. There are many health consequence that may occur after to an elder who has been abuse. It can be physical or mental. Here are a few examples:
Elders who suffer abuse are more likely to stay more time in the hospital.
An increasing of developing fear and anxiety reaction.
Increasing susceptibility to new illness.
Bed sores
Increasing of stress
Malnutrition
Increasing of dependency
Depression and dementia
Death
Health Consequences

9. 1 out of every 7 senior citizens in the U
1 out of every 7 senior citizens in the U.S has been a victim of elderly abuse. It is a serious crime and should immediately be reported.
Call 911.
Toll-Free Crisis Line: (800)
In every county of every state there is an Adult Protective Services Agency (APS). They investigate any reports of abuse that occur in adult care facilities, private homes, clinics, and acute care hospital.
Prevention

10. Sources