Elder Abuse

Hundreds of thousands of elderly are abused, neglected or exploited each year in the United States. Unfortunately the abuse is rarely reported because the victim fears retaliation by the abuser, fears being institutionalized or left alone, or is physically or mentally unable to report the abuse.

Types of Elder Abuse

Physical Abuse -- the infliction of physical pain or injury, and/or the use of restraints that results in physical pain.

Sexual Abuse -- non-consensual sexual contact of any kind with an elderly person.

Emotional Abuse -- infliction of mental anguish or distress through verbal or non-verbal acts such as threats, humiliation, intimidation, or isolation.

Financial Exploitation -- illegal or improper use of funds, property or resources.

Neglect -- failure or refusal to fulfill any part of a person's obligations or duties to an elderly person. Self-neglect occurs when elders are unable to meet their own needs.

Warning Signs of Abuse

Emotional Signs:

• Depression
• Fear/Anxiety
• Anger/Agitation
• Shame
• Withdrawn/Unresponsive
• Self-medication with alcohol or prescription drugs

Social Signs:

• Isolated, no visitors
• Caregivers or family restrict visitors to the elder
• Elder not allowed to speak to others without caregiver/family present
• Unsafe/unsanitary living conditions

Physical Signs:

• Unexplained fractures, bruises, burns, lacerations
• Unexpected deterioration of health
• Malnutrition or dehydration
• Poor hygiene; dirty, unshaven
• Bed sores
• Misuse of medication; over- or under-medicated
• Genital infections or sexually transmitted diseases
• Difficulty sitting or walking
• Torn or bloody underclothes

Financial Signs:

• Inability to pay bills
• Unexplained withdrawal of money from accounts
• Disparity between income and living conditions
• Suspicious activity on credit cards
• Changes in the elder's will or other documents
• Improper use of power of attorney, guardianship, or conservatorship
• Missing property/assets

Victims and Abusers

The majority of elder abuse victims are women 75 plus years of age, who are often widowed and socially isolated.

In almost 90% of elder abuse cases the abuser is known to the victim, and more than two-thirds of the abusers are related to the victim. Adult children are the abusers in approximately one-third of the cases.

Reporting Elder Abuse

To report suspected elder abuse call:

Adult Protective Services
24 hour adult abuse reporting hotline
1-877-SOS-ADULT  (1-877-767-2385)

Mesa Police Department
Emergency:  9-1-1
Non-emergency:  (480) 644-2211

Other Agencies Involved in Elder Abuse Investigation

Area Agency on Aging
24-hour Senior HELPLINE
(602) 264-HELP  (602-264-4357)

• Maricopa Elder Abuse Prevention Alliance (MEAPA)
• Long-term Care Ombudsman
• Elder Emergency Housing program

Office of the Attorney General
     Elder Affairs Program
     (602) 542-2124

• Responds to reports of abuse and develops abuse prevention programs

     AHCCCS Fraud Control Unit
     (602) 542-3881

• Investigates fraud by providers in the AHCCCS and Long Term Care systems

Department of Health Services
Office of Long Term Care
(602) 674-9705

How Can You Help?

• Be aware of the signs of elder abuse and share this information.
• Report suspected abuse to Mesa Police or Adult Protective Services.

For more information on Elder Abuse, contact Karen Stegenga, Crime Prevention Specialist, at (480) 644-5014.