To report a suspected case of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, call the PA Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-800-490-8505. These reports are handled by Adult Protective Services (APS).
Adult Protective Services
14.187 Another way to encourage people to report suspected abuse is to make it an offence to fail to do so. This is known as mandatory reporting. 14.189 Older people must not be treated like children, and the ALRC considers that professionals should not be required to report all types of elder abuse.
APS responds to reports of elder/vulnerable adult abuse in private homes in every state; in about half the states they also investigate reports in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. All states accept voluntary reports, allow for anonymous reports, and provide good-faith reporters with legal protections.
If you have been the victim of abuse, exploitation, or neglect, you are not alone. Many people care and can help. Please tell your doctor, a friend, or a family member you trust, or call the Eldercare Locator help line immediately. You can reach the Eldercare Locator by telephone at 1-800-677-1116.
The National Center on Elder Abuse distinguishes between seven different types of elder abuse. These include physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, financial/material exploitation, neglect, abandonment, and self-neglect. Physical abuse.
The 6 Types of Elder Abuse
- Physical Abuse.
- Emotional or Psychological Abuse.
- Sexual Abuse.
- Neglect or Abandonment by Caregivers.
- Financial Exploitation.
- Healthcare Fraud & Abuse.
Elder abuse most often takes place in the home where the senior lives. It can also happen in institutional settings, especially long-term care facilities. It is estimated that more than 1 in 10 older adults experience some form of abuse.
Financial crimes against the elderly fall under two general categories: fraud committed by strangers, and financial exploitation by relatives and caregivers. These categories sometimes overlap in terms of target selection and the means used to commit the crime.
When someone repeatedly uses words to demean, frighten, or control someone, it's considered verbal abuse. You're likely to hear about verbal abuse in the context of a romantic relationship or a parent-child relationship. Verbal and emotional abuse takes a toll. It can sometimes escalate into physical abuse, too.
One of the leading causes of elder abuse is caregiver stress and other problems that prevent caregivers from properly caring for the elderly. Factors such as substance abuse or financial problems can lead to caregiver abuse of the elderly in both residential and institutional care settings.
Nursing homes may help prevent elder abuse by:
- Creating solid patient care policies and procedures.
- Fostering frequent visits from volunteers and social workers.
- Installing quality monitoring systems.
- Regularly training employees on elder abuse and neglect issues.
Who are the abusers of older adults? Abusers are both women and men. In almost 60% of elder abuse and neglect incidents, the perpetrator is a family member. Two thirds of perpetrators are adult children or spouses.
Passive neglect – the failure by a caregiver to provide a person with the necessities of life including, but not limited to, food, clothing, shelter, or medical care, because of failure to understand the person's needs, lack of awareness of services to help meet needs, or lack of capacity to care for the person.
provide protections for adults against abuse—including neglect and financial exploitation—and investigate reports of abuse. Self- neglect is the most common form of abuse referred to these programs.
According to a 2011 Study of Financial Elder Abuse by Metlife, women are more likely to be victims of elder abuse than men, and most victims of financial exploitation are between the ages of 80 and 89. However, men and women of all races, economic status, and health levels are at risk.
A Serious ProblemAccording to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), broadly-defined elder abuse falls into three basic categories: domestic, institu- tional, and self-neglect or abuse.
But while state law requires that elder abuse be reported, the high level of proof needed for criminal charges is often elusive. If an abuser has legal documents such as power of attorney, it is especially hard to prove that a victim has been defrauded or stolen from.
Each California County has an Adult Protective Services (APS) agency to help elder adults (65 years and older) and dependent adults (18-64 who are disabled), when these adults are unable to meet their own needs, or are victims of abuse, neglect or exploitation.
What Is Emotional Elder Abuse? Emotional elder abuse takes place when an older person suffers harm through insults, yelling, or verbal harassment. It is also referred to as elder psychological abuse. Emotional abuse may be one of the most common forms of elder mistreatment.
Recognizing and Reporting Elder AbuseIn California, elders are defined as persons 65 years and older. Under California law, elder abuse can be both civil and criminal.
However if the victim so chooses, and criminal charges are filed, financial elder abuse can lead to misdemeanor and felony charges. Misdemeanor convictions can lead to up to a year in jail, and a $1,000 fine. Felony convictions can result in up to four years in jail and fines up to $10,000.
Receiving reports of adult abuse, exploitation or neglect; Investigating these reports; Case planning, monitoring and evaluation; and. Assistance arranging for medical, social, economic, legal, housing, law enforcement or other protective, emergency, or supportive services.
Adult Protective Services and other tools for reporting elder abuse
- If you believe a senior is in immediate danger, dial 911.
- For all types of elder abuse, you can contact Adult Protective Services (APS).
- For elder physical or emotional abuse, you can also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-SAFE.
Criminal charges in cases of financial elder abuse are extremely rare. But financial elder abuse under California criminal statutes does include acts of theft, embezzlement, forgery and financial fraud. A conviction of a misdemeanor charge can result in up to a year in jail and a criminal fine for the wrongdoer.
- Key takeaways. Realize that your loved one is a potential target.
- Begin a family conversation.
- Create a family financial management plan.
- Know what key documents have been completed.
- Be alert to changes in financial accounts.
- Simplify finances.
- Keep up to date on local scams.
- Maintain a social connection.
