Elder Abuse refers to any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult. Many victims are older, frail, and vulnerable and cannot help themselves and depend on others to meet their most basic needs.
What are warning signs?
- Bruises, broken bones, abrasions, and/or burns may be an indication of physical abuse, neglect or mistreatment.
- Unexplained withdrawal from normal activities
- A sudden change in alertness
- Sudden changes in financial situations
- Bedsores, unattended medical needs, poor hygiene, unusual weight loss
- Frequent arguments between the caregiver and elderly person
- Bruises around the breasts or genital area
Types of Elder Abuse:
- Physical: use of force to threaten or physically injure an elder
- Emotional: verbal attacks, threats, isolation, rejection, or belittling acts that cause mental anguish, pain, or distress
- Sexual: sexual contact that is forced, threatened, or coerced upon an elder
- Exploitation: theft, fraud, misuse or neglect of authority; undue influence to gain control over an elder’s property or money
- Neglect: a caregiver’s failure or refusal to provide for an elder’s safety, physical or emotional needs
- Abandonment: desertion by a caregiver
- Self-neglect: the inability to understand the consequences of one’s own actions that may lead to harm or endangerment
To speak to an Adult Protective Services staff supporting Conway County, Arkansas please call Conway County (501-354-2418) or you may call the Adult Abuse Hotline at 800-482-8049.
Source: National Center on Elder Abuse; Arkansas Adult Protective Services
