The 10 Most Scary Forms of Elder Abuse That Could Change Your Life Forever

Ordinary people don’t think about elder abuse until it’s too late.

Claudette Spinelli-Schwartz’s ex-husband certainly didn’t, and while he was well off, he was seemingly stunned when it happened to him. He’s typical of countless Americans of all economic backgrounds who one day had to protect themselves.

His allegations against Spinelli-Schwartz appear to still be in litigation, so while legal fees mount and the case develops, the outcome is still uncertain. That’s what scares so many victims: the uncertainty of what could happen and the cost of protecting themselves.

Both can be a nightmare.

Claudette Spinelli-Schwartz’s ex isn’t the only one with his alleged experience. Millions of seniors around the world have been victims of elder abuse. It comes in many forms, from physical abuse and neglect to financial exploitation.

Knowledge is power, as the saying goes. Here are ten of the most common and feared forms of elder abuse that could one day turn your life upside down:

1. Financial exploitation:Imagine someone you trust stealing your money or other assets without your consent or knowledge. It happens to seniors every day. Examples include caregivers (or anyone really) forging your signature, tricking you into signing over financial assets, or draining money from your bank account.

Imagine finding out that your house has been sold right under your nose without you knowing anything about it, until there is a knock on the door and a stranger (or family member) kicks you out of “their” house. This happens with alarming frequency.

2. Neglect:You may think that you will have all the resources you need to care for your physical needs in your golden years. But then retirement comes and you discover that the caregivers you worked so hard to pay for are not providing the care and support you need.

Many seniors suffer physical harm, emotional distress, and illness because their caregivers neglect them. They experience malnutrition, lack of medical treatment, and feelings of abandonment. Don’t let that happen to you.

3. Physical abuse:The cases of elderly people suffering broken bones, bruises, cuts or fractures are too numerous to count. These attacks can come from trusted caregivers, close family members or even complete strangers. Imagine the fear of never knowing where an attack will come from and not being able to defend yourself in your weakened state. This is the fear that some elderly patients live with every day.
4. Psychological abuse:Sometimes the abuse comes in the form of mental or emotional torture that people inflict on the elderly. There can be threats, intimidation, or verbal attacks. People insult them, scare them, and make them feel worthless and unnecessary. Attacks can come from anywhere, and if you are not ready for them, they can cause great harm.
5. Sexual abuse:Nightmares of it all. It is a form of abuse that includes any non-consensual sexual contact or behavior towards an older adult. It can be a forced act, manipulation or simple coercion. But it leaves an emotional scar that may never be erased. Sexual abuse of anyone is despicable, but especially when it is directed at the most vulnerable in society.
6. Abandonment:Sometimes elder abuse occurs when caregivers leave their patients without alternative care arrangements. Bedridden or wheelchair-bound, victims are unable to access even the most essential services. They feel neglected and are at greater risk of malnutrition and depression.
7. Medical abuse:You may think you have a qualified healthcare professional who can provide you with the care you need in your old age, but the truth is that some healthcare providers just don’t care. They over-medicate their patients, perform unnecessary tests, treatments, and surgeries, and fail to provide even the most critical medical care.
8. Identity theft:Seniors are especially vulnerable to theft of personal information such as social security numbers or credit card information. Fraudsters target them like gadflies, stealing any assets they can. They open fraudulent accounts, make unauthorized purchases, and find ways to empty online checking and savings accounts. Many seniors are unaware of the scams that are so prevalent in this digital age, and many are paying the price.
9. Social distancing:Sometimes older people are deliberately cut off from support networks by their family members or caregivers. Access to lifelong friends and supporters is no longer allowed. Phone access is cut off. The victim quickly feels totally isolated, depressed, alone and vulnerable. If they protest, they are ignored or ridiculed and they can do nothing about it.
10. Emotional abuse:This can include a wide range of attacks on an older person’s sense of dignity, self-image, happiness, and emotional stability. Victims may not be aware that it is happening: the attacker ridicules them, manipulates them into questioning their own perceptions, and ultimately uses threats to bring them under his/her control.

Is it inevitable that you will one day have to deal with one or more of these forms of elder abuse? Not at all.

If you are a senior or have a loved one who is older, here are some steps you or your loved one can take to protect themselves:

• Educate Yourself: Become educated about the different types of elder abuse so that you can recognize it when it starts to manifest around you. Be aware of it and stop it immediately if you see early signs that it may be happening.
• Manage your finances: Be careful about giving control of your finances to others. Sometimes you just can’t avoid it, but make sure you can trust the person who has access to your assets. Start by letting them manage a small portion. Have them verify any requests for private information.

Once they have proven themselves, let them have a little more control. Check in on them regularly, even those you trust implicitly.

• Build a strong support network: Surround yourself with family and friends who care about you. Join and participate in community groups, where you will have a constant stream of trusted acquaintances. This will help prevent social isolation and combat exploitation. Learn about scams that are everywhere and benefit from the experiences of others.
• Keep track of financial transactions: Don’t let others, even those closest to you, exploit you financially. When someone asks you for money or sensitive information, make sure it’s legitimate. Don’t let anyone, other than your trusted banker, accountant or lawyer, know your financial worth or assets.
• Know your rights and defend them: beware of “legal language” or “accounting fog” from professional consultants. If you don’t understand something, ask questions until you get the full answers.

If you believe you are a victim of abuse or exploitation, seek independent legal advice immediately.

• Speak out: If you suspect that you or someone you love is being abused, don’t hesitate to speak out. Contact the appropriate agencies, such as adult protection services or various helplines for assistance.

Keep talking until someone does something.

• Be proactive: If you are not a potential victim now (but could be in the future, and that is true for almost everyone), start planning for the future. This may include creating a guideline for the future, reviewing your estate planning provisions, and appointing a power of attorney.

Keep your plan current and review it once or more each year, especially if your health deteriorates or you experience other economic circumstances.

Finally, make sure you are as informed and aware as possible of anything that could affect your personal well-being.

As Claudette Spinelli-Schwartz’s ex-husband and many others have discovered, elder abuse can turn your life into a very unpleasant experience.

But if you plan well and take steps to protect yourself, you can enjoy the dignity, security, and happiness you deserve for many years to come.