Safety and home
Elder abuse
Elder abuse is harm or risk of harm to an older adult by someone in a position of trust, or by a stranger. It includes physical, emotional and sexual abuse, neglect, abandonment and financial exploitation. Signs include unexplained injuries, sudden money loss and unsafe living conditions.
Why it matters for your family
The National Institute on Aging lists signs such as unexplained bruises or burns, withdrawal, bedsores, unsafe or unclean living conditions, and sudden financial losses with no clear reason. Abuse can come from family, caregivers or strangers. Look for a pattern, not one sign. If a person is in immediate danger, call 911. Otherwise contact Adult Protective Services in your state, or the Long-Term Care Ombudsman if the person lives in a facility. A common mistake is to stay silent for fear of being wrong. Reporting a concern in good faith is the safer step. Families hiring home care should check credentials and keep records of hours.
Source: nia.nih.gov
Read more: Warning Signs Your Parents Need Help at Home
Related terms
- Adult Protective Services (APS)Adult Protective Services (APS) is a social services program run by state and local governments.
- Long-term care ombudsmanA long-term care ombudsman is an advocate who works to resolve problems about the health, safety, welfare and rights of people in long-term care facilities.
- Background checkA background check is a review of a person's records before hiring.
- Caregiver registryA caregiver registry is a service that lists caregivers and matches them with families.
- Medicaid estate recoveryMedicaid estate recovery is the process where a state seeks repayment from a deceased Medicaid member's estate.
- Healthcare Fraud and Abuse Control Information System (FACIS)The Healthcare Fraud and Abuse Control Information System (FACIS) is a commercial database search that compiles federal and state lists of health care workers and companies that were excluded, sanctioned, or disciplined.
