Area Agency on Aging

Toll-Free: 1-877-521-3500

Elder Abuse Resources

If you or someone you know is a victim of elder abuse, help is available. Every state, commonwealth and territory has resources to assist you and to inform those interested in preventing or reporting elder abuse. The key to prevention and intervention of elder abuse is the ability to recognize the warning signs of its occurrence. Signs of elder abuse differ depending on the type of abuse the victim is suffering.

Each type of abuse has distinct signs associated with it.

Physical abuse can be detected by visible signs on the body, including bruises, scars, sprains, or broken bones. More subtle indications of physical abuse include signs of restraint, such as rope marks on the wrist, or broken eyeglasses.

Emotional abuse often accompanies the other types of abuse and can usually be detected by changes in the personality or behavior. The elder may also exhibit behavior mimicking dementia, such as rocking or mumbling. Emotional abuse is the most under-reported abuse of elder abuse. Elder abuse occurs when a person fails to treat an elder with respect and includes verbal abuse, the elder experiences social isolation, or lack of acknowledgement. Some indicators of the emotional effects of elder abuse is the elder adult being unresponsive or uncommunicative. Also they can be unreasonably suspicious or fearful, more isolated, and not wanting to be as social as they may have been before. Emotional abuse is under reported, but can have the most damaging effects because it leads to more physical and mental health problems.

Financial exploitation is a more subtle form of abuse, in comparison to other types, and may be more challenging to notice. Signs of financial exploitation include significant withdrawals from accounts, belongings or money missing from the home, unpaid bills, and unnecessary goods or services.

Sexual abuse, like physical abuse, can be detected by visible signs on the body, especially around the breasts or genital area. Other signs include inexplicable infections, bleeding, and torn underclothing.

Neglect is a type of abuse in that it can be inflicted either by the caregiver or oneself. Signs of neglect include malnutrition and dehydration, poor hygiene, noncompliance to a prescription medication, and unsafe living conditions. In addition to observing signs in the elderly individual, abuse can also be detected by monitoring changes in the caregiver's behavior. For example, the caregiver may not allow them to speak to or receive visitors, exhibit indifference or a lack of affection towards the elder, or refer to the elder as "a burden." Caregivers who have a history of substance abuse or mental illness are more likely to commit elder abuse than other individuals.

Abuse can sometimes be subtle, and therefore difficult, to detect. Regardless, awareness organizations and research advise to take any suspicion seriously and to address concerns adequately and immediately.

Take care of your health.

  • Seek professional help for depression or alcohol and drug problems (including prescription drugs).
  • Learn about domestic violence services in your area.
  • Attend support groups.
  • Plan your own future. Create a living will to avoid confusion over healthcare decisions should you become incapacitated. Assign power of attorney to someone you can really trust. Seek independent advice before signing any documents.
  • Avoid social isolation. Stay active in the community and connected with friends and family.
  • Know your rights. If you engage the services of a paid or family caregiver, you have the right to voice your preferences and concerns—and have them respected. If you live in a long term care facility, get the name of your long-term care ombudsman. This person is your primary advocate and has the power to intervene.
  • If you think you are being abused or neglected, SPEAK OUT, even if you are not sure. You have a right to question.

 

CALL 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS IN LIFE-THREATENING DANGER.

If the danger is not immediate, but you suspect that abuse has occurred or is occurring, please call the non-emergency number for your local police department.

 

Area Agency on Aging NACOG               
http://www.nacog.org/aging

Domestic Violence Resources                        
http://www.aardvarc.org/dv/states/azdv.shtml
http://www.ndvh.org/
 
Social Security                                              
http://www.ssa.gov/
 
Legal assistance                                              
http://www.lawforseniors.org/

Veterans Legal assistance                   
http://www.nvlsp.org/

State Bar of Arizona                        
http://www.azbar.org/

Adult protective services (APS) 
http://www.egov.azdes.gov/cmsinternet

AHCCCS                                                       
http://www.azahcccs.gov
 
ALTCS                                                          
http://www.ahcccs.state.az.us/Services/Programs/ALTCS.asp
 
Trauma Intervention Program                        
http://www.TIPofAZ.org 
 
Better Business Bureau                                   
http://www.central-northern-western-arizona.bbb.org/
 
Yavapai Family Advocacy Center
http://www.yfac.org