Elder Abuse

Different kinds of elder abuse may have different signs. In general, older adults experiencing abuse can seem scared, anxious, unusually quiet or withdrawn, terse or irritable, confused, depressed, less social than normal, and avoidant of eye contact and/or physical touch.

Signs of physical abuse include bruising, wounds, unusual stiffness or pain, and unexplained injuries or ‘accidents’. Sexual abuse may have similar indicators, as well as signs such as unexplained STIs, internal injuries, and genital injuries. 

Financial abuse is often more subtle, but there may still be symptoms. These can include an older person not having enough money for essentials, not being aware of what’s happening with their finances or credit cards, making large investments or withdrawals that benefit someone else, or changing their financial habits.

The most common form of elder neglect is malnutrition and dehydration. Signs of mild to moderate malnutrition and dehydration include fatigue, confusion, headaches, sunken eyes and cheeks, more frequent skin tears, slower injury healing, unexplained weight loss, and dry mouth (xerostomia).

Keep in mind that every situation is different. Sometimes, there won’t be any signs of abuse. To minimise a loved one’s vulnerability, talk to and visit them regularly, make sure they feel comfortable discussing things with you, and get independent professionals (such as doctors, psychologists and lawyers) to monitor their physical, mental and financial health.

Because elder abuse is often committed by family members, many older people don’t report it. They may feel worried that the perpetrator will get into legal trouble, or concerned that, by reporting the abuse, they’ll only make things worse.

If a loved one doesn’t want to talk to the police, anonymous helplines can be helpful. The Elder Abuse Helpline, for example, lets you express your concerns in a confidential setting. It’s free, anyone can call, and you don’t need to have evidence of abuse – the helpline support workers are there to listen to your story, explain your right to safety, dignity, independence and respect, and give you actionable advice.

You can also talk to a solicitor about legal strategies for stopping elder abuse. In cases involving financial abuse, for example, removing the perpetrator’s access to the victim’s finances can end the abuse without the police getting involved.

In scenarios involving domestic violence or physical/sexual assault, we strongly recommend you make a complaint to the police. There’s never any excuse for elder abuse, and it’s unlikely that it will just ‘stop’ without police involvement.

Financial abuse can happen to anyone, but older adults may be more at risk. Here are some strategies you and your loved ones can use to prevent abuse.

• Control access to your bank accounts and credit cards.
• Monitor your bank statements for transactions that you didn’t authorise.
• Keep your bank login details and other sensitive financial information in a secure place that only you have access to.
• Don’t sign documents you don’t understand.
• Have an experienced Wills and estates lawyer prepare your Will and other estate planning documents.
• If someone else controls your finances, make sure you have a third party you trust to verify that what they’re doing is in your best interests.
• Don’t transfer assets or lend money to people without an agreement prepared and witnessed by your lawyer.
• Have a strong support network of family and friends that you can turn to for advice.