Elder Abuse

Dear Linda:


Though the nursing home in which my elderly mother resides seems nice enough, lately, I’ve been suspicious that she’s been abused. How can I tell and what do I do?




It’s difficult and painful to imagine anyone harming those who are frail, ill and totally dependent on others. The trust given by families to assisted living centers, rehabilitation facilities, and nursing homes is sacred but often broken, and don’t let the décor fool you. Some of the worst cases of fraud, neglect and abuse have occurred in the plushest surroundings.


The National Elder Abuse Study reported that over 500,000 Americans, 60 years and older, were abused in 1996. The study also revealed that only 16 percent of cases were reported and referred for help. The Senate Special Committee of Aging now estimates five million victims every year.


According to Dr. Linda Woolf of Webster University, there are six types of abuse with symptoms for each. “Neglect: malnourishment, chronic physical and psychiatric problems, dehydration, bed sores and poor hygiene. Physical Trauma: scratches, bruises, cut, burns, punctures, choke marks, restraint (rope burns, gag marks, welts), repeated and unexplained injury (sprains, fractures, detached retina, paralysis), inconsistent explanations of injuries and lag time between incident and treatment. Psychological:passivity, shame, anxiety, depression, confusion, trembling, cowering, clinging, lack of eye contact. Sexual Abuse: trauma to the genital area, venereal disease, infections, discharge, odor and any of the psychological symptoms. Financial: bank statements diverted, accounts changed from one bank to another, documents drawn up for an elder no longer competent to sign, missing property. Basic Rights: withholding mail, obstructing religious freedoms, over medicating or sedating, and preventing the elder to speak.” For more information, visit www.elderabuseprevention.com.

If you recognize symptoms, call 911 and report your suspicions immediately. Also contact Adult Protective Service (APS). The APS agency will assign a caseworker to investigate (usually within 24 hours) and intervene as necessary. Contact Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116 for the number in your area and visit www.elderabusecenter.org for a list of hotlines—all free, anonymous and confidential.