Do you know the elder abuse warning signs? Or are you concerned that your aging loved ones may be at risk of elder abuse? As they grow older, their chances of facing physical, emotional, or financial harm increase—often from people they know and trust. If your loved ones begin to show signs of cognitive decline, such as memory loss or confusion, they become even more vulnerable to exploitation and neglect. By recognizing these changes early, you can take action to protect them and ensure their safety.
Recognizing Elder Abuse Warning Signs
Elder abuse can often be spotted by observing certain signs or patterns of behavior in your loved one. Here are key indicators across different types of elder abuse:
- Physical Abuse
- Unexplained injuries: Bruises, cuts, burns, or broken bones that your loved one cannot explain or that don’t match the explanation given.
- Frequent hospital visits: Repeated visits to medical facilities for suspicious injuries.
- Fear of specific individuals: Watch for signs of anxiety or fear around a caregiver or family member.
- Emotional or Psychological Abuse
- Behavioral changes: Sudden mood swings, withdrawal from social activities, depression, or fearfulness.
- Isolation: The abuser may isolate your loved one from friends, family, or social networks.
- Verbal abuse: Look for signs of yelling, threats, or belittling from a caregiver.
- Neglect
- Poor hygiene: Unwashed clothes, lack of proper grooming, or body odor.
- Malnutrition or dehydration: Signs include noticeable weight loss, extreme thirst, or symptoms of malnutrition.
- Unsafe living conditions: A dirty or dangerous living environment, lack of basic necessities, or untreated medical conditions.
- Financial Exploitation
- Sudden financial changes: Unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts, sudden changes to wills or powers of attorney, or missing valuable possessions.
- Bills going unpaid: Despite having sufficient funds, unpaid bills or lack of necessary items could indicate financial abuse.
- Manipulation in financial decisions: Your loved one may be pressured into making financial transactions they don’t understand or would not typically make.
- Sexual Abuse
- Bruising or injury: Especially in sensitive areas, with no clear explanation.
- STDs or infections: Unexplained sexually transmitted diseases or infections.
- Fearful or anxious behavior: Your loved one may avoid certain people or exhibit trauma symptoms.
- Abandonment
- Being left alone: Your loved one might be left in public places, hospitals, or care facilities without proper arrangements.
- Lack of contact: Caregivers may fail to visit or maintain contact, leaving your loved one to fend for themselves.
- Verbal Reports
- Direct disclosure: Sometimes, your loved one may directly tell you about mistreatment.
- Subtle comments: They may hint at fear, discomfort, or being taken advantage of without directly accusing anyone.
If you observe any of these signs, you should report the suspected abuse to local authorities or Adult Protective Services. Early detection of elder abuse can prevent further harm and ensure that your loved one receives the care and protection they need.
Below you can find contact information for Adult Protective Services in DC, Virginia and Maryland.
District of Columbia Law Against Elder Abuse
In D.C., the law defines elder abuse as physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, abandonment, or financial exploitation of individuals aged 60 or older. The law mandates that certain professionals, like doctors, social workers, and law enforcement, report any suspected abuse to Adult Protective Services (APS).
To report abuse in D.C., call (202) 541-3950 during business hours or 311 after hours.
- Anonymous Reporting: You can report abuse anonymously, meaning you don’t have to give your name. However, it may be harder for APS to follow up with you if they need more information. Anonymous reports will still be investigated based on the details provided.
Mandatory Reporters of Elder Abuse in Washington, D.C.
The following professionals are considered mandatory reporters of elder abuse in the District of Columbia:
- Health care professionals: Doctors, nurses, dentists, and other health care providers.
- Social workers and counselors.
- Law enforcement officers.
- Employees or staff members of a care facility: Includes nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other residential care facilities.
- Financial institution employees: Bank personnel who suspect financial exploitation.
Attorneys: Although attorneys are not mandatory reporters of elder abuse, under R. 1.14, they may need to take action to protect their client with diminished capacity.
As mandatory reporters these individuals are legally required to report suspected elder abuse to Adult Protective Services (APS). They must report within 24 hours of discovering the suspected abuse
Virginia Law Against Elder Abuse
Virginia law requires certain professionals, such as healthcare workers, social workers, police officers, and financial institutions, to report suspected elder abuse. Elder abuse includes physical harm, emotional harm, neglect, and financial exploitation of anyone aged 60 or older. Virginia law pays special attention to cases where an elderly person is being financially exploited.
If you suspect abuse, you can contact Adult Protective Services (APS) by calling the statewide hotline at 1-888-832-3858, available 24/7.
- Anonymous Reporting: Virginia allows people to report abuse anonymously, but it’s helpful to provide your contact information if investigators need more details. APS will investigate all reports regardless of whether the reporter’s identity is known.
Mandatory Reporters: While mandatory reporters in Virginia are nearly identical to those identified under District law, Virginia law imposes civil penalties (fines) on these professionals if they fail to report suspected abused within 24 hours.
Maryland’s Law Against Elder Abuse
Maryland law defines elder abuse as physical, emotional, or sexual harm, neglect, or financial exploitation of individuals aged 60 or older. The law requires professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and social workers, to report abuse, but anyone can make a report if they suspect abuse.
To report abuse, you can contact Adult Protective Services (APS) at 1-800-91-PREVENT (1-800-917-7383), available 24/7.
- Anonymous Reporting: Reports can be made anonymously in Maryland, though providing your contact information may help with the investigation. APS will still investigate any report based on the information provided.
Maryland law allows for criminal penalties for those who abuse or exploit elders, as well as civil remedies for victims.
Preventing Physical and Emotional Elder Abuse
You can help protect your loved ones from both physical and emotional abuse by taking these steps:
- Open Communication: Encourage open and honest discussions about their care, well-being, and any concerns they may have. Make sure they feel comfortable sharing their feelings, physical health, and experiences.
- Education: Teach them to recognize the signs of both physical and emotional abuse, such as manipulation, neglect, or unexplained injuries. Make sure they know how and when to report such incidents.
- Monitor Care: Regularly check in on their care and living situation, whether they are at home, with caregivers, or in a care facility. Pay attention to both physical signs (e.g., bruises, malnutrition) and emotional signs (e.g., withdrawal, anxiety).
- Monitor Social Interactions: Stay involved in their social circle and ensure their relationships with caregivers, friends, and companions are healthy and respectful. Isolate them from harmful individuals if needed.
- Legal Protections: Put in place health care directives, durable powers of attorney, and other legal safeguards to ensure their physical and emotional well-being. Assign a trusted advocate or guardian if necessary.
- Professional Help: Engage professionals such as geriatric care managers, elder care attorneys, or social workers to oversee their care, protect their rights, and provide emotional support. Professional counselors can help address emotional well-being.
Preventing Financial Elder Abuse
You can help protect your loved ones from financial abuse by taking these steps:
- Open Communication: Encourage them to discuss financial matters openly with trusted family members.
- Education: Teach them about common scams and how to avoid them.
- Monitor Accounts: Regularly review their bank and credit card accounts for unusual activity.
- Legal Protections: Establish safeguards like durable powers of attorney and trusts to protect their assets.
- Professional Help: Consider engaging a financial advisor and an elder law attorney to help manage and protect their assets.
Steps for Families to Take
You can take proactive steps to protect your elderly loved ones from abuse:
- Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on the latest information about cognitive decline and financial elder abuse.
- Be Proactive: Work with your family to create a secure financial plan and establish legal protections.
- Seek Support: Use community resources, support groups, and professional services to assist with caregiving and financial management.
- Report Abuse: If you suspect financial elder abuse, report it immediately to local authorities, Adult Protective Services, or a trusted professional.
Learn More About Cognitive Decline and Preventing Elder Abuse
By staying informed, taking proactive measures, and maintaining open communication, you can help prevent financial elder abuse and protect your loved ones from vulnerability. Recognizing the signs of cognitive decline early can ensure their financial security and overall well-being.