There are over 5 million elder abuse victims in the United States. That is more than the combined total of child abuse victims and domestic violence victims. Elder abuse is a growing problem. The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) defines elder abuse as "intentional or neglectful acts by a caregiver or 'trusted' individual that lead to, or may lead to, harm of a vulnerable elder. In many states, younger adults with disabilities may qualify for the same services and protections. Physical abuse; neglect; emotional or psychological abuse; financial abuse and exploitation; sexual abuse; and abandonment are considered forms of elder abuse. In many states, self-neglect is also considered mistreatment.
Tennessee Code § 39-15-510 (2021) - Offense of Abuse of Elderly or Vulnerable Adult
It is an offense for a person to knowingly abuse an elderly or vulnerable adult. The offense of abuse of an elderly adult is a Class E felony. The offense of abuse of a vulnerable adult is a Class D felony.
What Should You Do If You Suspect Abuse?
Concerned people, like you, can spot the warning signs of a possible problem, and make a call for help if an elder is in need of assistance. Most cases of elder abuse go undetected. Don't assume someone else has already reported a suspicious situation. And don't think that it's up to you to prove abuse. If something seems wrong, just report what you know to the proper authorities. Let them investigate.
By law in Tennessee, everyone is a mandatory reporter. If you think an older adult is being abused, you are required to tell someone.
Reporting Elder Abuse and Neglect
According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, only 1 in 14 cases of elder abuse ever come to the attention of authorities. Tennessee is a mandatory reporting state. If you see abuse — or even suspect that an adult is being abused, neglected or exploited — you must report it. Call the Tennessee Department of Human Services Adult Protective Services unit, toll-free at 888-277-8366.
Who Should I Tell?
If the abuse is happening now, call 911.
If you suspect elder or adult abuse, call Adult Protective Services at 888-277-8366.
If the abuse is physical, call Tennessee Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-356-6767.
Warning Signs
Physical Abuse
Bruising, especially in the torso or head; frequent injuries from accidents; broken eyeglasses or frames; caregiver’s refusal to allow visitors alone with the older person. While one sign does not necessarily indicate abuse, some indicators that there could be a problem are: - Bruises, pressure marks, broken bones, abrasions, and burns may be an indication of physical abuse, neglect, or mistreatment - Unexplained withdrawal from normal activities, a sudden change in alertness, and unusual depression may be indicators of emotional abuse - Bruises around the breasts or genital area can occur from sexual abuse, as can unexplained sexually transmitted diseases, broken bones, welts, cuts, sores or burns - Bedsores, unattended medical needs, poor hygiene, and unusual weight loss are indicators of possible neglect - Behavior such as belittling, threats, and other uses of power and control by spouses are indicators of verbal or emotional abuse - Strained or tense relationships, frequent arguments between the caregiver and elderly person are also signs It’s important to remain alert. Suffering is often in silence. If you notice changes in a person's personality, behavior, or physical condition, you should begin asking questions. Source: National Center on Elder Abuse.
Emotional Abuse
Isolation of the older person or refusing to allow visits alone with the senior; observed threatening or belittling of the older person by the caregiver. Abuse isn't limited to hitting and stealing. Harm can follow from extreme control or words and behavior chosen to make a person feel worthless and powerless. Look for: - Changes in behavior that make no sense or that have no obvious reason, such as withdrawal from normal activities or changes in alertness - A caregiver who isolates an elder (doesn't let anyone into the home or allow people to speak to the elder) - A caregiver who is verbally aggressive or demeaning, controlling, overly concerned about spending money, or who appears unconcerned for the person under their care
Neglect
Unusual weight loss; malnutrition; dehydration; untreated physical problems; unsafe and unsanitary living conditions such as dirt, vermin, soiled clothes and bedding; inappropriate clothing for the weather; desertion or abandonment of the older person in a public place. Tragically, sometimes elders neglect their own care, which can lead to illness or injury. Self-neglect can include behaviors such as: - Hoarding of objects, newspapers/magazines, mail/paperwork, etc., and/or animal hoarding to the extent that the safety of the individual (and/or other household or community members) is threatened or compromised - Failure to provide adequate food and nutrition for oneself, including dehydration - Failure to take essential medications or refusal to seek medical treatment for serious illness - Lack of medical aids (glasses, walker, teeth, hearing aid, medications) - Person with dementia left unsupervised - Lack of basic hygiene, adequate food, or clean and appropriate clothing - Not wearing suitable clothing for the weatherInability to attend to housekeeping, or a home that is cluttered, filthy, in disrepair, or that displays fire or safety hazards - Person confined to bed is left without care, or displays untreated pressure "bed" sores (pressure ulcers) - Self-neglect is one of the most frequently reported concerns brought to adult protective services. Often the problem is paired with declining health, isolation, - Alzheimer's disease or dementia, or drug and alcohol dependency. In some of these cases, elders will be connected to supports in the community that can allow them to continue living on their own. Some conditions like depression and malnutrition may be successfully treated through medical intervention. If the problems are severe enough, a guardian may be appointed. Source: National Center on Elder Abuse
Financial Exploitation
Significant withdrawals from the vulnerable adult’s accounts; sudden changes in their financial circumstances; valuable items or cash missing from their home; increase in junk mail soliciting purchases or payments for sweepstakes money; neglect of the victim, such as no food in the home; and maintenance and repairs of the home are ignored. Sudden changes in financial situations may be the result of exploitation. You should be concerned over: - A lack of basic necessities a victim could afford - A vulnerable elder or adult "voluntarily" giving unusually large gifts of money or large payments for needed care or companionship - A caregiver with control of an elder's money but who fails to provide for the elder's needs - A vulnerable senior or adult who signs property transfers or official documents but clearly cannot understand what those documents mean or what they have done.
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