June marks Elder Abuse Awareness Month, which is dedicated to recognizing, preventing, and addressing the mistreatment of older adults. Elder abuse is often hidden in plain sight, taking many forms like physical, emotional, or financial abuse, or neglect. It can be perpetrated by strangers, caretakers, and even family members. The signs are not always obvious, especially when the abuse comes from someone the elder or their family has trusted.

Recognizing Subtle Signs of Caretaker Abuse

Many elders rely on outside caretakers for assistance, and while most caregivers are compassionate professionals, it’s important to be alert for the warning signs of mistreatment:

• Changes in behavior such as anxiety, withdrawal, or fear around certain individuals.
• Unexplained bruises or injuries, especially if they appear repeatedly or the explanations don’t add up.
• Poor hygiene or unattended medical needs, suggesting neglect.
• Isolation, where the elder is not allowed to see friends or family without supervision.

These small signs can escalate if unchecked. Regular, open conversations with your loved one, and unannounced visits, can help ensure their well-being.

Financial Abuse

Financial abuse is one of the most difficult forms of elder mistreatment to detect, especially when it involves someone from the elder’s past, like an ex-spouse or adult child. It may involve:

• Unauthorized access to bank accounts or credit cards.
• Pressure to change wills, deeds, or other legal documents.
• Manipulation masked as helping with finances when the elder is still capable.

Because there’s often a prior relationship and a sense of trust or guilt involved, the elder may be reluctant to speak up, even when they know something is wrong.

How to Report Elder Abuse

If you suspect elder abuse, it’s crucial to take action:

• If you or someone else is in immediate danger always call 911.
• Contact Adult Protective Services or Senior Services in your area. In Missouri, this falls under the Department of Health & Senior Services.
• You can also seek help through Greene County Family Justice Center.

Document what you observe, being sure to note dates, descriptions, and conversations. This record can be vital if formal investigations ensue.

How Elder Abuse Differs from Child Abuse

While both child and elder abuse are serious, elder abuse differs in several ways:

• Elders are often more isolated than children, making abuse easier to hide.
• There’s often complexity with consent and cognitive ability, especially in cases involving dementia or Alzheimer’s.
• Abusers can manipulate legal or financial power through guardianships or power of attorney.
• Victims may feel shame or fear about reporting, especially if the abuser is a family member or someone they have trusted and may still depend on.

Understanding these distinctions is key to advocating for and protecting our seniors. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, we can help plan how to stay safe. All our services are free, confidential and survivor centered. Visit us at 1418 E. Pythian Street or give us a call at 417-874-2600. We are open 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. For after-hours assistance, call the Harmony House/Victim Center’s 24-hour safe line at 417-864-SAFE (7233). If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

About GCFJC

The Greene County Family Justice Center is a non-profit collaborative of local agencies offering comprehensive services to survivors of domestic, sexual, and family violence. Our services are trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and we welcome survivors at any point in their process. We partner with local non-profit service providers as well as local law enforcement, the Prosecutor’s office, and Children’s Division to make victim services more accessible and completely voluntary. If you do not want to participate in the criminal justice process, we support you.

Our vision is a future where we all work together to meet the needs of domestic violence and human trafficking survivors through comprehensive and accessible services, education, and perpetrator accountability. Through a coordinated framework and co-located response, we strive to break the vicious generational cycle and community impact of domestic violence and resulting victimizations.

We can help you plan for your safety whether you plan to stay in the relationship, or you are actively trying to escape. All our services are free, confidential and survivor centered. Have questions about what services are available? Visit us at 1418 E. Pythian Street or give us a call at 417-874-2600. We are open 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. For after-hours assistance, call the Harmony House/Victim Center’s 24-hour safe line at 417-864-SAFE (7233). If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.