Financial Abuse

Financial abuse is when someone misuses, mishandles or exploits an older or dependent adult’s property, possessions or financial assets. This includes using those assets without the individual’s consent or manipulating the older or dependent adult for the financial benefit of another.

Neglect

Neglect takes place when, intentionally or unintentionally, a caregiver fails to support the physical, emotional and social needs of the older or dependent adult. Neglect can include denying food or medication, health services or contact with friends and family.

Self-neglect

Self-neglect requires intervention when older or dependent adults cannot meet their own physical, psychological or social needs or cannot protect their own health or safety. At times, physical or mental illness, cognitive limitations, isolation or substance abuse can prevent older or dependent adults from being able to take care of their own basic needs.

Physical Abuse

Physical Abuse includes slapping, hitting, bruising, beating and other intentional acts that cause someone physical pain, injury or suffering. Physical abuse also includes excessive forms of restraint used to confine someone against their will (such as tying, chaining or locking someone in a room).

Emotional Abuse

Emotional Abuse is threatening, intimidating or humiliating an individual and causing them emotional pain, distress or anguish. Emotional abuse can be verbal or non-verbal. It includes insults, yelling and threats of harm or isolation.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual Abuse is any sexual activity to which the older or dependent adult does not consent or is not capable of consenting. Non-consensual sexual activity includes everything from exhibitionism to sexual intercourse.

Isolation

Isolation can be any of the following:

• Acts intentionally committed for the purpose of preventing an older or dependent adult from receiving his or her mail or telephone calls.
• Telling a caller or potential visitor that an older or dependent adult is not available or does not want to see or speak with someone when it’s contrary to an older or dependent adult’s wishes, whether he or she is competent or not, and is made for the purpose of preventing the older or dependent adult from having outside contact.
• False imprisonment, as defined in Section 236 of the Penal Code.
• Physical restraint of an older or dependent adult, for the purpose of preventing the older or dependent adult from seeing visitors.

Abandonment

Abandonment occurs when a caregiver deserts the older or dependent person.

What are the Signs of Abuse?

It’s better to call and be wrong than be right and do nothing. There are many signs that mean someone needs your help. These signs do not always mean the person is being abused or neglected, but they may be clues that something isn’t right. Call the Aging and Disability Services Hotline at 844-868-0938, and a trained staff member will analyze the signs while keeping your information confidential.

It may be a sign that an older or dependent adult may be abused if they:

• Appear uncared for and have poor personal hygiene.
• Have unexplained bruises, sores or burns.
• Are withdrawn, depressed, confused, afraid, agitated or displaying atypical behavior.
• Show fear or anxiety around certain household members or caregivers.
• Have an adult child or caregiver overly dependent on the elder adult for income or shelter.
• Have changes in appetite or a dramatic weight gain or loss.
• Are unable to do basic things such as make meals, shop or get around.
• Have unusual activity in a bank account, give money away, have unpaid bills or cannot buy food.
• Are isolated and have restricted visits or phone calls.