Elder Abuse -
Frequently Asked Questions

1. How big a problem is elder abuse?

It is estimated that about 5% of the senior population will experience some type of elder abuse during their lifetime. Older women make up 65% of the victims; 35% are men. Adult children, spouses, or other family members are the most common abusers. As the population of seniors 60 and over in Sonoma County is projected to nearly double by 2020, the incidence of elder abuse will also increase.

2. Why does it happen?

Elder Abuse is a crime of opportunity; education and awareness are the keys to elder abuse prevention. Other reasons include health changes that may make the victim more dependent on family members and others as well as isolation due to narrowing scope of family and friends. Fear or shame on the part of the victim can perpetuate the cycle of abuse.

3. What are some warning signs (or red flags) of physical abuse?

Some warning signs include multiple bruises of different colors, frequent trips to the hospital emergency room, hair pulled out, or signs of being over-or-under medicated (always sleepy or always in pain). Any unwanted sexual activity also constitutes physical abuse.

4. What are some warning signs of neglect?

Some warning signs of neglect include isolation; poor hygiene, or wearing dirty or torn clothing; lack of appropriate shelter, groceries or other necessities; needing glasses, hearing aids, or dentures that aren't being provided; medical conditions that go untreated; malnourishment or dehydration of victim.

5. What are some warning signs of self-neglect?

Warning signs may be the same as with neglect: failure or unwillingness to provide for one's essential needs; untreated medical conditions, poor hygiene, malnourishment, isolation. The victim may be angry, frightened or secretive; unwilling to speak freely.

6. What are some warning signs of financial abuse?

Some warning signs may include sudden bank account closing or withdrawals; suspicious activity on credit card accounts; disconnected utilities; abrupt change in the elder's will; elder living in poverty without proper care, in spite of adequate financial resources; care giver displays sudden, new-found wealth; sudden transfer of property from elder to abuser; change in power of attorney, appearance of new "best friend".

7. What are some warning signs of emotional abuse?

Emotional abuse may consist of verbal threats, intimidation, confinement, and the victim may be confused or extremely forgetful. There may be restricted contact with family and friends. The person may exhibit serious emotional distress.

8. How can I identify seniors "at risk" for elder abuse?

Certain warning signs may indicate a problem: these include deteriorating conditions of home or apartment; mail or newspapers building up in mailbox; the person appears unusually unkempt or ill; has difficulty maintaining a normal conversation, or varies from his or her normal routine.

9. What if I suspect abuse in the community?

Whether you are a victim or suspect the abuse of someone you know, you are not alone when seeking help. Anyone who suspects that abuse of an elder has occurred anywhere other than in a long-term care facility should report it the local county Adult Protective Services (707-565-5940 or 1-800-667-0404) or to local law enforcement. You are protected from both criminal and civil liability.

10. What if I suspect abuse in a long-term care facility?

If the suspected abuse has occurred in a long-term care facility, such as a nursing home or a residential care facility, report it to the local Ombudsman Program (707-526-4108). Abuse can continue and may escalate if there is no intervention. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and report. All reports are confidential.