Elder Exploitation and Financial Abuse: Marking the 10th Anniversary of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

June 15th, 2016 marks the 10th anniversary of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Please read below for some important signs of Elder Abuse that can help you detect whether your loved ones or friends may be at risk of becoming a victim.

Elder Exploitation and Financial Abuse

It is a very sad and unfortunate fact that the elderly are among the most likely groups to be targeted and victimized by abusers, especially those seeking to take advantage of them financially. The elderly are often more vulnerable than others due to age-related conditions, such as a decline in physical or mental health, loneliness, and related issues that cause the senior to rely on others for companionship and assistance in remaining at home. Although many seniors remain active, healthy, and happy into their later years, there are others who struggle to retain their independence and who do not have a strong family or social network to help them when they need help with basic activities of daily living, such as shopping for groceries or paying the bills.

Nationwide, Adult Protective Services units indicate an across-the-board increase in reports of elder abuse. Statistics show that fewer than one in ten cases of elder abuse are ever reported and that about 90% of abusers are family members of the victim. The majority of victims experience financial abuse, sometimes in addition to physical or emotional abuse. Females are more likely to be abused or financially exploited and the risk for both genders increases with age, isolation, and disability level. Seniors with dementia are particularly vulnerable to abuse, with a recent study showing that nearly 50% of those with dementia are subject to abuse.

Given the rapidly growing elderly segment of the population, the increase in reports of elder abuse and exploitation, and the number of seniors living alone at home or in facilities, it is crucial for those who care for or work with seniors be able to recognize the signs of elder abuse. Elder abuse can occur in a variety of forms, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect by caregivers, financial exploitation, and healthcare fraud. Some general signs of abuse can include a change in the personality and behavior of the senior, such as increased depression or anxiety, withdraw from social activities, and an unexplained decline in overall health.

Signs of physical abuse can include bruises, welts, or more severe unexplained injuries. A senior may be suffering from neglect if the senior appears disheveled, unbathed, underweight, under-dressed for the weather, or if his or her home is unusually unsanitary or unsafe. Emotional abuse may be occurring if the senior’s mood seems more melancholy or depressed, if the senior’s self-esteem decreases, or if the senior becomes more isolated. Signs of financial abuse can include the inability of the senior to afford basic necessities, such as food, medication, or other things the senior has always been able to afford, such as phone service and utility bills. Financial abuse can be detected by reviewing the senior’s bank statements for unusual spending habits, ATM withdraws, and purchases from businesses that the senior does not frequent.

Another way to detect signs of all types of abuse is to observe the interactions between the senior and their caregiver or the family member they depend upon for help. If the senior appears to fear the other person, if the other person is hostile or threatening toward the senior, if the person isolates the senior by not taking the senior on outings or does not encourage others to visit the senior, or if the person appears to be overly controlling of the senior and his or her finances and refuses to accept help from others, the senior may be at risk of abuse.

In North Carolina, the law requires that elder abuse be reported. If you suspect that an elderly person you know is being abused or exploited, you should make a report to Adult Protective Services through the Department of Social Services in your county. If you believe the senior is at immediate risk or is in serious danger, report the situation to law enforcement right away. In most instances, the reporter’s identity will be kept confidential. As abuse increases a senior’s risk of death by approximately 300%, you could literally save a life by reporting suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

Erica M. Erickson

Attorney at Law

(828) 696-1811