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\nElder abuse happens when a trusted caregiver or adult knowingly harms an older person (someone 60 and older).1\">1 It includes many types of abuse, such as physical, sexual, emotional, verbal, and financial. Elder abuse can also mean knowingly neglecting an older person to the point that they are harmed, such as by withholding food or medical care. Elder abuse affects more women than men.2\">2 You can help prevent or stop elder abuse of yourself or someone you love by knowing the signs to watch for.
\nElder abuse can happen in the home, in a nursing home or assisted living facility, or in public. It can include any type of abuse, such as physical, sexual, emotional, verbal, and financial, against an older person. Elder abuse is more likely to happen when an older person is dependent on other people for daily activities of living, such as eating, bathing, using the toilet, dressing, or managing money.
\nElder abuse also includes neglect and taking advantage of an older person.
\nElder abuse can be very harmful to a woman\u2019s health, especially if it continues after a single event. Researchers have found that any type of elder abuse can shorten a person\u2019s life, regardless of any other health problems they might have.3\">3 Studies show that if an older person also has dementia (serious problems with thinking and remembering), the risk of early death after abuse is even higher.4\">4
\nExperts aren\u2019t sure how common elder abuse is, because many victims of elder abuse may not report it or may not be aware of it. Studies suggest that elder abuse may affect one in 10 older adults.5\">5 More women than men experience elder abuse, in part because women live longer.2\">2
\nEmotional and verbal abuse and financial abuse are the most common types of elder abuse.2\">2
\nSomeone who abuses an older adult is more likely to have mental or physical health problems, financial problems, a history of substance abuse, or to be experiencing major stress.5\">5
\nElder abuse comes in many forms. Below are the types of elder abuse and signs to watch for.
\nHitting, slapping, beating, pushing, shoving, kicking, pinching, and burning
\nSigns:
\nVerbal assaults, threats, intimidation, harassment, and isolating the person from regular activities, family, and friends
\nSigns:
\nAny sexual contact that is not agreed to, such as unwanted touching
\nSigns:
\nKnowingly not taking proper care of an older person, including physical care (food, clothing, shelter, medicine, personal hygiene) and financial care (not paying for living arrangements, care, and other bills)
\nSigns:
\nIf you are an elderly or older person:
\nIf you or someone you know has been the victim of elder abuse, seek help from family, friends, or community organizations. Talk to a doctor or other health care professional.
\nMany states have 24-hour toll-free numbers for confidential reports of abuse. The National Center on Elder Abuse can help you find services in your community.
\nElder abuse may be more likely to happen if the older person has dementia or any other type of serious problem with thinking or remembering. Family members and friends of an older adult can help to prevent abuse by:
\nMany states have 24-hour toll-free numbers for confidential reports of abuse. The National Center on Elder Abuse can help you find services in your community.
\nCall 911 if the older person is in immediate danger.
\nIf the older person can speak, ask about any signs of abuse you see such as bruises, unusual financial activity, or fear of caregivers. If possible, document any signs of abuse with photos, videos, or written statements. Contact the local police.
\nYou can also report elder abuse to the local adult protective services agency, similar to child protective services. Each state has an adult protective services agency. Use this online map to find help in your area. If the older person is in a facility like a nursing home, you can report abuse to an ombudsman, whose job is to resolve disputes.
\nFor more information about elder abuse, call the OWH Helpline at 1-800-994-9662 or check out the following resources from other organizations:
\nThis content is provided by the Office on Women's Health.
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