Our senior citizens are a national treasure. They spent their life times working, paving the way for future generations and often raising families. Their experiences and contributions deserve our respect. Sadly, it's not always given. In fact, many elders suffer abuse and neglect.

What Is Elder Abuse or Neglect?

Elder abuse takes many forms, and while they're all startling and reprehensible, it's usually only the most brutal that make the headlines, calling the nation's attention to the problem.

Mary Araujo's Tragedy

In 2010, Massachusetts prosecutors charged five family members with neglect or permitting serious injury to an elderly and disabled woman in the death of 81-year-old Mary Araujo. Araujo remained immobilized in a recliner sofa for a month without medical attention or basic hygiene, according to investigators.

In cases like this, abusers may face even more serious criminal charges, including manslaughter or murder.

Abuse Is Nearly an Epidemic

The prosecutors in the Araujo case say they can't remember a case this bad, but elder abuse is a large and growing problem. The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) estimates as many as 2 million people over the age of 65 have been abused or neglected in some way.

Kinds of Abuse

Araujo presents a case of domestic elder abuse. Abuse also occurs in nursing, daycare and assisted-living homes. NCEA counts claims of self-neglect or self-abuse too.

Within these categories, the abuse or neglect may take several forms. These include physical, emotional, sexual, and even financial abuse. Neglect occurs when a person like a family member or professional caregiver refuses or fails to properly care for an elder. This can include failing to properly feed or clothe the elder, to clean the elder, and to seek medical assistance for the elder when necessary. It seems the Araujo case presents many of the classic signs of neglect.

Spotting Elder Abuse and What You Can Do About It

Elder abuse or neglect often takes place out of sight. Many elderly live private lives with few contacts outside the family or nursing home. Casual friends have a hard time detecting the neglect or abuse because they don't see the elder frequently. The elder also may be too embarrassed or bullied to complain, or may lack the mental capacity to do so.

You should know the telltale signs of abuse or neglect, like:

  • Physical injuries, bruises, cuts, wounds
  • Broken aids or prosthetics, like glasses; signs of restraint
  • Behavioral changes
  • Poor personal hygiene, unclean or unsafe living conditions, untreated medical needs
  • A caregiver's refusal to let you see the elder alone

Signs like these won't always mean there's abuse or neglect, but should be looked into. And they will be, too, but only if a problem is reported. Every state and the federal government have laws prohibiting elder abuse. States also have social services agencies for the elderly you can contact.

Contact the local police or 911 at once if you think an elder is in immediate danger.

We are growing older as a nation, and the problem of elder abuse and neglect unfortunately only may get worse as a result. With proper care, and attention to potential abuse and neglect situations, you can keep an elder's golden years from becoming a living nightmare.

Questions For Your Attorney

  • I can't take care of my frail parent alone. What options are there to nursing homes?
  • I'm concerned about the elderly woman who lives alone in my building. Whom should I contact?
  • Do I need a power of attorney or guardianship to make decisions for an elderly parent?