Placing an aging loved one in the care of others—whether at home, in assisted living, or in a nursing home—is an act of trust. Unfortunately, that trust is not always honored. Elder abuse is a growing concern in the United States, with thousands of cases reported each year, and many more going unreported.
Protecting vulnerable adults starts with awareness. If you suspect elder abuse, recognizing the different forms it can take is the first step toward taking action and seeking justice.
What Is Elder Abuse?
Elder abuse refers to any intentional or negligent act that causes harm or distress to an older adult. This abuse can occur in private homes, long-term care facilities, or even within the family. It is often committed by caregivers, healthcare workers, or trusted individuals with access to the victim.
The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) identifies several categories of elder abuse, each with its own indicators and consequences. These categories are not mutually exclusive—often, a victim suffers more than one form of abuse at the same time.
1. Physical Abuse
Physical abuse involves any use of force that results in bodily injury, pain, or impairment. This may include:
- Hitting, slapping, or pushing
- Improper restraint or confinement
- Over- or under-medication
- Use of physical punishment
Warning signs can include unexplained bruises, broken bones, burns, or signs of being restrained. Loved ones should be especially alert to repeated injuries with inconsistent explanations.
If you suspect your family member is being physically harmed, see our resource on Nursing Home Abuse: Warning Signs Families Should Never Ignore.
2. Emotional or Psychological Abuse
This form of abuse is often harder to detect but just as damaging. It includes:
- Verbal threats or insults
- Intimidation or humiliation
- Isolation from friends or activities
- Manipulation or gaslighting
Signs may include sudden withdrawal, depression, fearfulness, or unusual behavior changes around certain individuals. Emotional abuse frequently co-occurs with other forms of mistreatment.
3. Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse of the elderly includes non-consensual sexual contact of any kind, as well as forced nudity or sexually explicit photography. Victims are often physically or cognitively unable to report what has happened.
Red flags include bruising in sensitive areas, torn clothing, sexually transmitted infections, or sudden agitation around particular caregivers. This form of abuse is deeply traumatic and requires urgent legal action.
4. Financial Exploitation
Older adults are frequent targets of financial abuse, especially those with cognitive decline or limited oversight of their finances. This abuse can involve:
- Theft of money or property
- Forgery or misuse of credit cards
- Pressure to change wills or power of attorney
- Unauthorized bank transfers or account access
Loved ones should look out for unusual withdrawals, unpaid bills, missing possessions, or sudden changes to legal documents. Hackett Firm offers guidance on Power of Attorney and Elder Law Protections.
5. Neglect
Neglect occurs when a caregiver fails to meet the basic needs of an elderly person, whether intentionally or due to lack of competence. This includes:
- Failure to provide food, water, hygiene, or medication
- Inadequate supervision or protection
- Unsanitary or unsafe living conditions
Common signs include malnutrition, dehydration, bedsores, unwashed clothing, and poor hygiene. In facilities, systemic neglect can point to understaffing or inadequate training.
6. Abandonment
Abandonment refers to deserting an elderly person who needs care. This may happen at a hospital, nursing facility, or even in public. It is a particularly cruel form of neglect, often driven by a caregiver’s unwillingness to continue support.
A person who has been abandoned may show signs of confusion, fear, or health deterioration due to prolonged lack of care.
What Can Families Do?
If you suspect elder abuse, act quickly. Begin by documenting your observations and speaking with your loved one in a private, safe setting. In emergencies, call 911. For ongoing abuse, file a report with Adult Protective Services (APS) in your state. You can also learn more from this APS guidance article by FindLaw.
Once your loved one is safe, legal action may be necessary to seek justice and prevent future abuse.
Legal Support Is Essential
Proving elder abuse often requires thorough investigation, medical evidence, and legal knowledge. At Hackett Firm, we represent families navigating:
- Nursing home negligence
- Financial exploitation cases
- Wrongful death claims related to elder abuse
- Power of attorney abuse
- Guardianship disputes
We understand how emotionally taxing these cases can be. Our legal team ensures compassionate, confidential support while holding the responsible parties accountable.
If you believe your loved one has been abused, explore our article on Wrongful Death Claims: How to Seek Justice for a Loved One for cases that may involve fatal outcomes.
Take Action to Protect Your Family
No one should suffer abuse—especially those who once cared for us. If you suspect elder abuse, do not wait for more signs. The earlier you intervene, the greater your ability to prevent long-term harm.
Hackett Firm is here to help you navigate every step. Contact us for a free, confidential consultation. Your loved one’s safety and dignity are worth protecting.
