Elder abuse is a hidden crisis that affects millions of older adults each year, often silently unfolding in the very places they should feel safe. But what exactly is elder abuse, and how can we, as a society, recognize and address it?
In this episode of Comforting Closure: Conversations with a Death Doula, I spoke with Lori Mars from the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA). Together, we talked about the types of elder abuse, why it happens, and, most importantly, what we can do to prevent it.
What is Elder Abuse?
Elder abuse is more common than many realize. Defined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as an intentional act or failure to act that harms an older adult, it can take many forms: physical, emotional, financial, sexual, and neglect. Most cases involve someone the older person trusts, such as a caregiver, family member, or friend.
Only 1 in 24 cases of elder abuse is reported. This silence leaves countless older adults without the help they need.
What Are the Different Types of Elder Abuse?
Understanding the forms of elder abuse can help us recognize it when we see it:
Physical Abuse: Unexplained bruises, injuries, or overmedication.
Emotional Abuse: Verbal threats, isolation, or belittling.
Financial Abuse: Misusing an elder’s money or coercing them into financial decisions.
Sexual Abuse: Any unwanted sexual contact.
Neglect and Self-Neglect: Failing to meet basic needs like food, shelter, and medical care.
Each form is damaging, but they often occur together, compounding the harm.
What Makes Older Adults Vulnerable?
Elder abuse doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Factors like social isolation, health issues, cognitive impairments, and caregiver stress increase the risk. Ageism—the belief that older adults are less valuable—also plays a role, making it easier for abuse to go unnoticed.
Lori highlighted how addressing these vulnerabilities can create opportunities for intervention, such as connecting isolated individuals with community resources or providing caregivers with better training and support.
What is the Best Way to Handle Elder Abuse?
Preventing elder abuse requires awareness and action. Lori shared practical steps we can all take:
Recognize the Signs: Be vigilant about behavioral changes, unexplained injuries, or financial red flags.
Speak Up: If you suspect abuse, contact Adult Protective Services (APS), the police, or the NCEA.
Strengthen Connections: Combat isolation by building meaningful relationships with the older adults in your life.
Educate Caregivers: Caregivers need resources and training to navigate their responsibilities effectively.
“Elder justice is a social justice issue,” Lori reminded us during our conversation. Whether we’re caregivers, neighbors, or community members, we all have a role to play in creating a safer world for our elders.
If you’re unsure where to start, begin by listening to the stories of the older adults in your life. Treat them with the respect and dignity they deserve.
Resources to Help
If you or someone you know needs help, here are some resources Lori recommended:
National Center on Elder Abuse: https://ncea.acl.gov
Elder Fraud Hotline: 855-500-3537
Alzheimer’s Association: https://www.alz.org
Federal Trade Commission: https://www.ftc.gov
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: https://www.consumerfinance.gov\
Elder abuse is a problem we can’t ignore, but we can all be part of the solution. Watch the video and listen to the podcast above to learn more about what you can do. Together, we can build a safer, more compassionate world for everyone.
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