Elder Protective Services – In 2021 there were 35,202 elder abuse reports made in Massachusetts
There are several key risk factors for elder abuse including social isolation, poor physical health and dementia. Although it may not be possible for older adults to control or change their physical health, they should maintain their connections with family and friends. Staying active in the community is another way to ward off social isolation and reduce risk.
There are many types and signs of elder abuse
The different types of elder abuse and how to identify the signs of elder abuse.
Self-neglect
Involves seniors or adults with disabilities who fail to meet their own essential physical, psychological or social needs, which threatens their health, safety and well-being. This includes failure to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter and health care for one’s own needs.
Caregiver neglect
Includes failures by individuals to support the physical, emotional and social needs of adults dependent on others for their primary care. Neglect can take the form of withholding food, medications or access to health care professionals.
Financial exploitation
Includes the misuse, mishandling or exploitation of property, possessions or assets of adults. Also includes using another’s assets without consent, under false pretense, or through coercion and/or manipulation.
Emotional abuse
Involves creating emotional pain, distress or anguish through the use of threats, intimidation or humiliation. This includes insults, yelling or threats of harm and/or isolation, or non-verbal actions such as throwing objects or glaring to project fear and/or intimidation.
Physical abuse
May include slapping, hitting, beating, bruising or causing someone physical pain, injury or suffering. This also could include confining an adult against his/her will, such as locking someone in a room or tying him/her to furniture.
Sexual abuse
Sexual abuse includes: physical force, threats or coercion to facilitate non-consensual touching, fondling, intercourse or other sexual activities. This is particularly true with vulnerable adults who are unable to give consent or comprehend the nature of these action.
Warning signs of abuse
Physical abuse, neglect, or mistreatment
- Bruises
- Pressure marks
- Broken bones
- Abrasions
- Burns
Emotional abuse
- Unexplained withdrawal from normal activities
- Sudden change in alertness
- Unusual depression
- Strained or tense relationships
- Frequent arguments between the caregiver and older adult
Financial abuse
- Sudden changes in financial situations
Self-neglect
- Malnutrition/dehydration, poor hygiene, bedsores, inappropriate clothing
- Mismanagement of medications
- Home safety issues, hoarding behavior, lack of proper utilities
- Eviction or foreclosure
- Wandering, unsafe behavior such as unsafe smoking, unsafe driving
- Unpaid bills, compulsive spending
Verbal or emotional abuse
- Belittling
- Threats
- Other uses of power and control by individuals
Elder Abuse reports can be filed 24 hours a day either online (see web link) or by phone at (800) 922-2275. Elder abuse includes: physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, caretaker neglect, financial exploitation and self-neglect. Elder Protective Services can only investigate cases of abuse where the person is age 60 and over and lives in the community. To report abuse of a person with a disability under the age of 60, call the Disabled Persons Protection Commission at (800) 426-9009. To report abuse of a person by nursing home or hospital, call the Department of Public Health at (800) 462-5540. Call 911 or local police if you have an emergency or life-threatening situation.
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