Test your knowledge...

1. Most elder abuse is caused by care giver stress.

• TRUE
• FALSE

2. Spouses commit the most elder abuse in later life.

• TRUE
• FALSE

3. Something that contributes to elder abuse in later life is: (select one)

• Retirement (resulting the abuser and the victim spending more time together)
• Health changes in either the victim or the abuser
• Both of the above

4. One of the "red flags" that could indicate physical abuse is when an elder has bruises of different colors.

• TRUE
• FALSE

5. One of the "red flags" that could indicate sexual abuse is when an elder likes to look at pictures of naked women.

• TRUE
• FALSE

6. One of the "red flags" that could indicate emotional abuse is when a family member does not give an elder their own privacy.

• TRUE
• FALSE

7. One of the "red flags" that could indicate financial abuse is if a family member manages an elder's money.

• TRUE
• FALSE

8. One of the "red flags" that could indicate neglect is when an elder is wearing the same clothing every time you see him or her, no matter what time of day, winter or summer.

• TRUE
• FALSE

9. If you suspect elder abuse, the first thing you need to do is: (select one)

• Report the elder abuse to Adult Protective Services
• Keep yourself safe
• Document the facts as you see them or hear them
• Refer the family to social services

10. It is important that you report the facts clearly. You should report : (select one)

• What you have seen
• What you have heard
• What others have told you
• All of the above

Elder Abuse Warning Signals Quiz-Answer Key

1. TRUE. The biggest cause of elder abuse is the abuser's belief system; that it is acceptable to get what you want or need by whatever means necessary, including hurting the other person or threatening to hurt her or him.

2. FALSE. 47% of abusers in the National Incidence Study on Elder Abuse were adult children. Spouses accounted for only 19% of abusers.

3. (C) Both of the above. All these factors can contribute to elder abuse.

4. TRUE. Whenever you see bruises of different colors, it indicates that the person received them over time. In this case, you can't rule out elder abuse.

5. FALSE. If someone chooses to look at pictures of naked women, he or she is not being forced or coerced.

6. TRUE. While it could be that the family member is very concerned about an elder, it could also mean that he or she does not want them to tell you what is going on in the family.

7. FALSE. It is not uncommon for elders to ask someone to help them manage their money. That is one of the reasons for Power of Attorney. One would have to know whether the family member is controlling the money so that the elder's needs are not being met or is misusing the money before reasonably suspecting elder abuse.

8. TRUE. Wearing the same clothing (especially when it may not be appropriate for all situations or seasons) may indicate neglect or self neglect.

9. (B) Keep yourself safe. You cannot do any of the other things listed if you are not safe.

10. (D) All of the above. It is important to investigators to get as clear a picture of the situation as possible.