Red Flags of Abuse 

These warning signs have been outlined by Center of Excellence staff to help alert loved ones and acquaintances to possible signs of mistreatment.  Feel free to download and print copies to distribute in your community. Red Flags, National Center on Elder Abuse versions (PDF) English Spanish Chinese Korean Tagalog Vietnamese Red Flags, 2011 versions (Orange County, CA examples) (PDF) English Spanish Chinese Tagalog Vietnamese

Does a senior or adult with a disability that you know display any warning signs of mistreatment?

Neglect

• Lack of basic hygiene

• Lack of adequate food

• Lack of medical aids (glasses, walker, teeth, hearing aid, medications)

• Lack of clean appropriate clothing

• Person with dementia left unsupervised

• Bed bound person left without care

• Home cluttered, filthy, in disrepair, or having fire & safety hazards

• Home without adequate facilities (stove, refrigerator, heat, cooling, working plumbing, and electricity)

• Untreated pressure “bed” sores

Financial Abuse

• Lack of amenities victim could afford

• Elder “voluntarily” giving inappropriate financial reimbursement for needed care and companionship

• Caregiver has control of elder’s money but is failing to provide for elder’s needs

• Caretaker “living off” elder

• Elder has signed property transfers (Power of Attorney, new will, etc.) when unable to comprehend the transaction

Psychological Abuse

• Caregiver isolates elder (doesn’t let anyone into the home or speak to the elder)

• Caregiver is verbally aggressive or demeaning, controlling, overly concerned about spending money, or uncaring

Physical Abuse

• Inadequately explained fractures, bruises, welts, cuts, sores or burns

 Reporting Suspected Abuse and Neglect

• Anywhere in the U.S., call the ElderCare Locator for a referral by dialing 1-800-677-1116.  You can also visit the NCEA State Directory https://ncea.acl.gov/Resources/State.aspx to find agencies in your area.

• In California, ask your local Aging and Disability Information Referral Line by dialing 1-800-510-2020.  You can also find reporting information by visiting the California Department of Social Services website at http://www.cdss.ca.gov/agedblinddisabled/PG1298.htm

• Download the Report of Suspected Abuse or Neglect form from California Department of Social Services (PDF)

• In case of emergency, call your local police station or 911.

 Help for Those Who Have Experienced Mistreatment

• “How can I help a friend of family member who is being abused?” guidance from National Domestic Violence Hotline

• ”Help for Victims and Friends of Victims” resources from National Organization for Victim Assistance

 National

• Office for Victims of Crime, Help for Crime Victims and http://www.crimevictims.gov/flash.html

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

  • 1.800.273.TALK (8255) [24/7 hotline]

  • 1.888.628.9454 (Spanish)   1.800.799.4889 (TTY)

• National Domestic Violence Hotline

  • 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) [24/7 hotline in English y Espanol]

  • 1.800.727.3224 (TTY)

• National Consumers League Fraud Center has tips and articles to help you recognize fraud and an online form to file a complaint

California

• California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Program

• California Partnership to End Domestic Violence

  • 1.800.524.4765

• California Department of Consumer Affairs