Elder abuse & financial exploitation

Physical abuse causes bodily harm, for example by hitting, pushing or slapping. It can also mean restraining an older adult, such as locking them in a room or tying them to furniture.

Emotional or psychological abuse includes hurtful words, yelling, threats and repeatedly ignoring the older adult. Keeping them from seeing close friends and relatives is also emotional abuse.

It is the most commonly reported type worldwide. The Emotional abuse & gaslighting guide explains these tactics in depth.

Neglect is when a caregiver does not respond to an older adult’s needs. It can mean ignoring physical, emotional and social needs, or withholding food, hygiene, or access to health care.

Abandonment is leaving an older adult who needs help alone, without planning for their care.

Sexual abuse of an older adult includes forced or unwanted sexual contact, and non-contact acts like harassment or forcing them to watch sexual acts.

The Sexual assault & rape guide covers support after sexual violence at any age.

Financial abuse is the illegal, unauthorized or improper use of an older adult’s money, benefits, property or assets for someone else’s benefit.

See “Financial exploitation and scams” in this guide.

• Becomes withdrawn, agitated or violent
• Seems afraid of a certain person
• Shows signs of trauma, like rocking back and forth

• Develops preventable conditions, like bedsores
• Has unexplained pressure marks, bruises, burns, cuts or scars

• Has unsafe, hazardous or unclean living conditions
• Is missing glasses, a walker, dentures or a hearing aid
• Looks unkempt, with unwashed hair, dirty clothes or poor dental care

• A new friend gradually takes over their affairs or asks for money
• Someone uses their cards, signs their name, or speaks for them at the bank
• Sudden, unexpected financial losses, or unpaid bills despite having enough money

It can look like

• A power of attorney agent using the money for themselves
• Forging signatures on checks, deeds or loan papers
• Money meant for care or housing being diverted
• Threats to harm them or a pet to get money
• Using their cards beyond what they approved

It also includes changing names on a will, bank account, life insurance or house title without permission.

Common scams

• “Grandparent” or person-in-need scams
• Imposters posing as government agencies or companies
• Investment scams
• Lottery or sweepstakes scams
• Romance scams
• Tech support scams

Red flags

• A demand for secrecy
• A prize or refund that needs a fee first
• Pressure to act fast, or threats
• Requests to move money “to protect it”, or hand over cash

The “Scams & protecting an older adult’s money” guide covers scams in more detail.

Financial neglect is ignoring an older adult’s financial responsibilities, like rent, medical bills or taxes. Health care fraud is when providers overcharge, double-bill or charge for care that was not given.

• Ask the bank about adding a trusted contact who can be alerted
• Plan ahead for illness or memory changes while the person can still decide
• Talk openly as a family about who helps with money, and how it is checked

The “Scams & protecting an older adult’s money” guide has a money safety checklist.

Mistreatment most often affects people who depend on others for daily help, like bathing and dressing. Telling can feel like risking the only care they have.

Abuse is usually by someone the older adult trusts, often family. They may want to protect that person, or worry about them getting in trouble.

Partner abuse can continue, or begin, in later life. The “Domestic violence: the basics” guide applies at any age.

Older adults without family or friends nearby, and people with disabilities, memory problems or dementia, may be more vulnerable to abuse.

Sometimes the person being harmed thinks the abuse is their fault. It never is.

• Alcohol or drug problems
• Depending on the older adult for money or emotional support
• High stress, poor coping skills, or no training for caregiving
• Mental health struggles
• Social isolation and lack of support

• Depending on others for daily care, or having a disability
• Low income
• Memory or thinking problems
• Poor physical or mental health

Ageism, and cultural norms that accept violence, also make abuse more likely.

CDC lists staffing problems, staff burnout and stressful working conditions as risk factors in nursing homes and residential facilities.

Having social support, and living in a community where people feel connected and involved, help protect older adults from abuse.

Long-term care ombudsmen advocate for people living in nursing homes, assisted living and board and care homes, and help resolve problems.

The Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) can help you find your local ombudsman.

APS responds to abuse in private homes in every state, and in about half of states also looks into reports in nursing homes and other long-term care settings.

• Get to know staff, and who to go to with concerns
• Notice changes in mood, weight, hygiene or injuries
• Visit at different times of day
• Write down concerns with dates

The Independence & care in later life guide covers moving into care and residents’ rights.

If you are being abused, neglected or exploited, tell your doctor, a friend or a family member you trust, or call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116. Trained staff will refer you to a local agency that can help.

An older adult who can make their own decisions can refuse help. The “When APS is involved with your family” guide explains this, and how to stay close when they say no.

Most states require doctors and lawyers to report elder mistreatment. Some types of elder abuse may also be crimes.

Respite care gives caregivers a break. It can be arranged for an afternoon or for several days or weeks. The Eldercare Locator can help you find local options.

Ask a family member or friend to help for a weekend, or even a few hours. Faith-based groups may have volunteers who can visit regularly. Adult day programs and counseling can also ease the load.

CDC lists these as risk factors

• Feeling isolated, without support
• Not feeling prepared or trained for the care you give
• Using alcohol or drugs to cope
• Very high stress, or struggling to cope

If you find yourself yelling, threatening, handling them roughly or leaving them alone too long, that is a sign to get more support now.

If you notice these, it is a sign you need more support, not that you are a bad person. Reaching out protects you both.

Regular calls or visits help an older adult feel cared for, and make it easier to notice changes. The “My check-in plan” worksheet helps families share the job.

WHO says some of the most promising approaches are caregiver support services, money management programs for people at risk of exploitation, helplines and emergency shelters, and teams that bring different services together.

If you think someone is in urgent danger, call 911.

A public service that helps people report elder abuse and find local services for older adults and families, including APS, ombudsmen and respite care. Online at eldercare.acl.gov.

Run by the U.S. Department of Justice. Open Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern, in English, Spanish and other languages.

Ombudsmen advocate for residents and help resolve problems. Find yours through the Eldercare Locator.

For older adults or caregivers feeling overwhelmed or hopeless. Free, confidential and open 24/7. You can also text HOME to 741741.

Choose your country and a topic to find local support. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.