Elder abuse is a growing concern that affects millions of older adults worldwide. It can take many forms, including physical, emotional, financial, and neglectful mistreatment. Recognizing the warning signs and knowing what actions to take can help protect our elderly loved ones and ensure their well-being.
Warning Signs of Elder Abuse
- Physical Abuse
- Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries
- Sudden changes in behavior, such as fearfulness or withdrawal
- Frequent hospital visits or untreated medical conditions
- Emotional or Psychological Abuse
- Depression, anxiety, or unusual mood swings
- Isolation from family and friends
- Fearfulness around certain individuals
- Financial Exploitation
- Sudden changes in financial status or missing assets
- Unpaid bills despite adequate resources
- Suspicious banking transactions or forged signatures
- Neglect and Self-Neglect
- Poor hygiene, malnutrition, or bedsores
- Unsafe living conditions, such as lack of heat or unsanitary environments
- Left alone for extended periods without proper care
What to Do If You Suspect Elder Abuse
- Talk to the Elder
- Ask questions in a safe and private setting
- Show empathy and let them know help is available
- Report the Abuse
- Contact Adult Protective Services (APS) in your state
- Call the National Elder Fraud Hotline (833-FRAUD-11) for financial abuse cases
- If there is immediate danger, call 911
- Seek Legal or Professional Help
- Consult an attorney for financial or legal concerns
- Reach out to social workers or elder advocacy groups for support
- Stay Involved
- Regularly check in with elderly family members
- Educate caregivers and community members about elder abuse prevention
Resources for Protection and Assistance
- National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) – ncea.acl.gov
- Adult Protective Services (APS) – Find local APS agencies at napsa-now.org
- Elder Abuse Hotline – Call 1-800-677-1116 for guidance
Protecting older adults starts with awareness and action. If you suspect abuse, don’t hesitate to step in. A simple phone call could save a life.
About Alvita Care
Alvita Care is a licensed home care services agency serving New York City, Long Island, Westchester and New Jersey. We have earned The Gold Seal of Approval from the Joint Commission and serve as a trusted provider of home care and private duty nursing services, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for seniors and individuals who require additional assistance. Alvita Care is the preferred provider of bedside care at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC. At Alvita Care, we understand that each person has unique needs and our compassionate team tailors personalized care plans for each individual client.
Alvita Care offers a wide array of services, including Home Care, Private Duty Nursing, Bedside Care and Care Management. We also offer specialty care in the areas of Cancer, Alzheimer’s and Dementia, Parkinson’s and post-hospital care, to name a few. Our team of professional caregivers and nurses work hard to ensure that clients receive reliable and compassionate care, whether bedside in a facility or in the comfort of their own homes. We strive to promote a strong sense of well-being for seniors with the goal of helping them to retain their independence and dignity. Contact Alvita Care today if you’re interested in learning more about how we may be able to help you or a loved one in need of some additional support:
alvitacare.com, 1-800-414-7611.
