Elder abuse is more common than most people realize—and far too often, it goes unreported. Many older adults suffer in silence, whether out of fear, confusion, or concern about what might happen if they speak up. At Loew Law Group, we’ve worked with families who were shocked to learn that someone they trusted had taken advantage of a loved one. In this post, we’ll look at why elder abuse can stay hidden for so long and how you can help protect the people you care about.
What Counts as Elder Abuse?
Elder abuse isn’t just physical. It can take many forms, and some of them are easy to miss. Abuse may come from a family member, a caregiver, or someone the older adult depends on. Unfortunately, that makes it harder for victims to speak out.
Some of the most common forms of elder abuse include:
- Physical abuse – hitting, pushing, or using restraints
- Emotional abuse – threats, insults, or isolation
- Financial exploitation – misuse of funds, forging signatures, or pressuring someone to change their will
- Neglect – failing to provide proper food, hygiene, or medical care
- Abandonment – leaving someone without support or supervision
Even subtle signs—like a sudden change in mood, unexplained withdrawals from a bank account, or missed doctor’s appointments—can signal something is wrong. Paying attention and asking gentle questions can make a difference.
Why Don’t More Seniors Report It?
You might think that someone would always report abuse if it happened—but that’s not always the case. Many older adults don’t feel safe speaking up. Some fear retaliation. Others don’t want to get a family member in trouble, especially if that person is also their caregiver.
Here are a few of the most common reasons abuse goes unreported:
- Declining health or memory loss. Seniors with dementia or other cognitive issues may not realize they’re being abused or may forget details.
- Dependence on the abuser. When the person causing harm is also providing food, housing, or medical care, the older adult may feel trapped.
- Isolation. Seniors who are socially isolated may have no one they trust to confide in—or no one who visits often enough to notice a problem.
- Shame or embarrassment. Victims may feel that the abuse is somehow their fault or that they should have prevented it.
These are just a few of the barriers we’ve seen. In many cases, a trusted friend or family member is the first to notice something’s off—and that can be the first step toward stopping the abuse.
What Can You Do If You Suspect Abuse?
If you’re worried about a loved one, trust your instincts. Even if you’re not sure something is wrong, it’s worth taking the time to check-in.
Here are some ways to step in:
- Speak privately with your loved one. Ask open-ended questions and listen closely.
- Watch for warning signs like bruises, weight loss, anxiety, or confusion.
- Document anything that seems suspicious, including dates and conversations.
- Reach out to Adult Protective Services or law enforcement if there’s immediate danger.
- Seek legal help to put protections in place, like updating an estate plan or naming a trustworthy power of attorney.
At Loew Law Group, we can help you understand your options. We work with families to create safeguards, pursue legal remedies when necessary, and support loved ones through the process.
Let’s Not Look the Other Way
Elder abuse doesn’t always leave visible scars—but the damage can still be serious and long-lasting. If you think something isn’t right, take action. You don’t need to do it alone. We can help you protect the people you love and make sure their voices are heard.
If you suspect elder abuse or want to put plans in place to help prevent it, reach out to Loew Law Group. Together, we can help create a safer, more secure future for your family.