Elder Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation

Elder Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation

As our population ages, there is recognition that the number of incidents of Elder Abuse and Exploitation, is on the rise. 

In response to this continual rise, a collaborative of public and private agencies have implemented the Minnesota S.A.F.E. Elders Initiative, with the goal of stopping Elder Abuse, Neglect and Financial Exploitation

What does Elder Abuse, Neglect and Financial Exploitation Look Like?

Physical Abuse:  Causing or threatening physical pain or injury

Emotional Abuse:  Causing or threatening mental pain, anguish or distress with words or actions

Sexual Abuse:  Unwanted sexual contact of any kind including forcing an Elder to witness sexual behaviors

Financial Exploitation:  Improper taking, misuse, or concealment of funds, property, or assets

Neglect:  Refusal or failure by those responsible to provide food, shelter, healthcare or protection, including abandonment

Where can this happen?

In the home:  Elder abuse is often committed by someone the Elder trusts – a spouse, a sibling, a child or grandchild, a friend or caregiver

In a residential facility:  Elder abuse in residential Facilities, such as Nursing Homes, and Assisted Livings, may be committed by staff of the facility, or can be any of the same group of trusted loved ones, as above

Anywhere in the community:  On a street corner, in the grocery store, or at the bank.  Elder Abuse can happen anywhere

Why does Elder Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation Happen

There are many different factors that contribute to the abuse, neglect or exploitation of an Elder.  Often, one or more of the following occur and make the abuse more likely:

Cognitive Impairments:  Elders who struggle with memory, reasoning, and judgment, are at risk for abuse, neglect, exploitation, because they may not realize they are being victimized, or don’t think anyone will believe them

Intimate Partner Violence:  Elder Abuse in couples may be intimate partner violence that has been going on for many years.  There are partnerships in which one person has traditionally tried to exert power and control over the other through emotional abuse, physical violence and threats, isolation, and other tactics

Perpetrator Characteristics and Circumstances:  Abusers are often dependent on their victims for financial assistance, housing, and other forms of support.  The risk of Elder Abuse increases when the abuser has the opportunity and greater access to the Elder’s records and personal information.  This is especially true when the perpetrators have substance abuse issues, financial problems, or other personal crises

Isolation:  Elders who are living alone are at higher risk, because they may not want to, or be able to ask for help.  But even Elders living with others, may become isolated when an abusive caregiver cuts them off from other people

Money and Property:  Social Security, pensions, savings, and property owned by the Elderly, make them a target for abuse, exploitation, and other financial crimes

Reporting suspected Elder Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation

Reporting can sometimes be a difficult decision.  Someone may wonder if making a report is really the right thing to do, especially if they don’t think they have enough information, or if the elder is adamant that the authorities should not be involved.  Some individuals and professionals may be mandated to report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation

To make a Report of suspected Elder Abuse, you do not have to know everything about the situation.  It is helpful to have the following information ready:

Name, Age, Address of potential victim

Location of incident(s)

Brief description of the situation

Current injuries, Medical problems, or Behavioral problems

Any evidence of previous maltreatment

Names of relatives or concerned parties in or outside the home

Explain how you know about the situation, and your relationship to the elder

Your Name and contact information

Name and address of alleged perpetrator

To make a report of Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation, or suspected Abuse, Neglect or Exploitation in Maple Grove, call the Maple Grove Police Department at 763-494-6101, or 911 if it is Urgent.  You can remain anonymous if desired

Created and distributed by Minnesota S.A.F.E Elders Initiative, a collaboration of public and private agencies addressing Elder Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation.  For more resources and information, visit www.safemn.org