What Is Elder Abuse?

According to the National Council on Aging, nearly 5 million individuals are impacted by elder abuse each year. Abuse can happen in any setting, and at the hands of family members, caregivers or even strangers.

Elder abuse is the mistreatment of older adults in one or more of the following ways:

  • Physical: Use of force such as hitting or pushing; causing pain, harm, or physical injury; and inappropriate use of medications or physical restraints.
  • Sexual: Any type of non-consensual sexual contact.
  • Psychological: Mistreatment that affects emotional or mental health, including intimidation, threats, harassment, humiliation, belittlement or isolation.
  • Neglect: Willful deprivation of basic needs including food, clothing, shelter, medicine or personal hygiene.
  • Financial exploitation: Misuse of the older adult’s money, property or resources.

But this abuse is often underreported – whether its because victims don’t know the treatment is abusive, out of fear, shame, dependency or for many other reasons.

How ElderSAFE Helps Older Adults

In addition to providing temporary shelter, ElderSAFE is a source for advocacy, education and a language accessible helpline.

ElderSAFE fields referrals from local hospitals, Adult Protective Services, case workers, hospital discharge planners, case managers and others to respond to all manner of social service needs for older adults.

More than 13,000 people are touched by ElderSAFE’s education initiatives each year.

“We’re not a typical shelter,” says ElderSAFE Program Manager Keita Cross. “ElderSAFE is unique because, existing on a senior living campus, we’re able to provide any level of care an older adult might need.”

What You Can Do

If you suspect an older adult is experiencing abuse, you can offer them your support and an empathetic ear and report the abuse to Adult Protective Services.

ElderSAFE recommends:

  • Be in a safe place: Find a private location where the person feels comfortable. Avoid talking when the person’s family members or caregivers are present, as the older adult may not feel comfortable disclosing in the presence of others.
  • Be non-judgmental: Never place blame on the person for choices they have made. It is also important to remember that most abuse is committed by a close family member or loved one. The older adult might still love and deeply care for the person hurting them. Try not to add your own judgments or feelings to the situation.
  • Believe them: When someone begins telling you their story, it is critical to let them know that you believe them. Many victims remain silent because they fear that they will not be believed.
  • Remember there is no ‘right’ way to react to abuse: Everyone reacts differently to traumatic experiences. Some people cry. Others are angry and frustrated. Some want to share all the details of their experience. Others are quiet and withdrawn.
  • Let them know the abuse is not their fault: Abusers often blame victims for the abuse or minimize their experiences. It is important to let the person know that they have the right not to be mistreated.

To learn more about ElderSAFE, access resources, request a training or make a referral visit smithlifecommunities.org/care-services/eldersafe-care