Stop and Prevent Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation of Older and Disabled Persons
Older people and adults with disabilities are especially vulnerable to abuse, neglect, and exploitation. It is incredibly important to know the signs and stop the behavior as soon as possible. If you suspect an instance of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, report it to local law enforcement or Georgia’s Adult Protective Services. If it is an emergency, call 911.
Don’t wait to seek help.
If you suspect that you or someone you know is being abused or neglected, it is very important to seek professional help. Please contact Empowerline™ to discuss the signs that you see.
This handout provides quick information and resources about identifying, preventing, and stopping elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Use Empowerline’s search for services resources to find services and providers near you.
Types of Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation
There are many different possible types of abuse, including (but not limited to) physical, emotional, sexual, abandonment, self-neglect, financial exploitation, and healthcare fraud and abuse. Neglect, whether intentional or unintentional, is a serious charge.
Abuse and neglect happen all across the country – from urban to rural settings. It is important to remember that abuse is NOT the fault of the victim – no one should experience abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
To learn more about the various types of abuse and neglect, visit HelpGuide or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
To find local resources outside of Georgia, please visit Eldercare Locator. You can contact the Eldercare Hotline by calling 1-800-677-1116.
How to recognize potential abuse
The following red flags may point to a problem:
Emotional Red Flags:
- Unusual changes in behavior or sleep
- Fear or anxiety
- Isolated or not responsive
- Depression
Physical Red Flags:
- Broken bones, bruises, welts, cuts, sores, or burns
- Untreated bed sores
- Torn, stained, or bloody underclothing
- Unexplained sexually transmitted diseases
- Dirtiness, poor nutrition, or dehydration
- Poor living conditions
- Lack of medical aids (glasses, walker, teeth, hearing aid, medications, etc.)
Financial Red Flags:
- Unusual activity in bank accounts
- Unusual changes in a bank account or money management
- Rare or sudden changes in a will or other financial documents
- Suspicious signatures on checks, or outright forgery on financial documents
- Sudden non-sufficient fund activity or unpaid bills
- Bank statements that no longer go to the customer’s home
- A caretaker, relative, or friend who suddenly begins conducting financial transactions on behalf of an older person without proper documentation
- Unusual activity in an older person’s bank accounts, including large, frequent, or unexplained withdrawals
Join the fight against elder abuse and neglect
The Department of Justice has a campaign called the “Elder Justice Initiative” (EJI). Their mission is to “combat elder abuse and financial exploitation, encourage reporting abuse, and educate the public to make America safer for all.”
Educate yourself through the resources listed above and talk about the reality of elder abuse and neglect with your friends and family, with your elected officials, and in public forums.
