What is Elder Abuse?

According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, elder abuse is a term referring to any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to an older adult. 

Types of Elder Abuse:

• Physical Abuse - the intentional or reckless use of physical force or coercion that may result in bodily injury, physical pain, or impairment.

• Sexual Abuse - non-consensual sexual contact of any kind with an older adult, perpetrated through force, threats, or the exploitation of authority.

• Emotional Abuse - the infliction of anguish, pain, or distress through verbal or nonverbal acts. (i.e. verbal assaults, insults, threats, or intimidation)

• Financial Abuse - the illegal or improper use of an elder's funds, property, or assets including (i.e. misusing or stealing an older person's money or possessions, coercing or deceiving an older person into signing any document).

• Neglect - Caregivers or other responsible parties failing to provide food, shelter, health care, or protection

• Self-neglect - A person who fails to perform self-care tasks such that it threatens his/her own health or safety

Signs of Elder Abuse:

The signs of elder abuse vary from individual to individual. Some signs may not be as apparent as other, depending on the severity of the abuse, and frequency. Below are several examples of signs of elder abuse.

• Emotional distress or agitation.
• Withdrawal from activities of daily life.
• Medication overdose, or chemical restraints.
• Sudden behavioral changes.
• Depression or anxiety.
• Poor personal hygiene.
• Bruises, abrasions, or lacerations around the breasts or genitals.
• Unsafe living conditions.
• Unattended or untreated health problems.

 Report Elder Abuse!

Who Reports? YOU DO! If you suspect that someone you know is at risk or is the victim of elder abuse, you must report the suspected abuse to Adult Protective Services at your local Department of Social or Human Services. If you are concerned that an older or disabled adult is in immediate danger, call 911 right away.

Why Report? Because it’s the law! North Carolina law requires reporting when anyone suspects that an older or disabled adult is being abused, neglected or exploited. The reporter’s name is always kept confidential and reporters are protected from civil and criminal liability for good faith reports.

What Information Will I Need?

 Provide as much information as you have, but do not let lack of information stop you from making a report.

•  Name, address, age or date of birth of the individual 
•  Caregiver’s name (if any) 
•  Explanation of the situation 
•  Mental or physical condition of the individual 
•  Names of others who may have information

Where to Report? Your county Department of Social Services-Adult Protective Services. If you need contact information for the Adult Protective Services Department in your county, go the N.C. Division of Social Services County referral website and click on the county where the person needing assistance lives.

For suspected abuse in Nursing Homes, contact the Division of Health Service Regulation. For suspected abuse in Adult Care Homes, contact the local Department of Social Services in the county where the affected person lives.

 Department of Social Services – Adult Protective Services Contacts:

What Makes Some Older Adults Vulnerable to Abuse?

• They rely on the abusive party for care. 
• They may feel financially responsible for the abusive party. 
• Greater cultural tolerance for family violence among their generation: “You lie in the bed you made.” 
•  They have multiple fears such as alienation of family and loved ones, isolation, lack of transportation, fear of dying, and fear of dying alone.