BBB Reminds Wisconsin Residents About the Signs of Elder Abuse

Friday, June 17th, 2022 -- 10:01 AM

The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse designated June 15th as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

Since then, various organizations, including BBB, have come together to help provide resources, raise awareness and prevent elder abuse. Better Business Bureau urges business owners to educate their workforce about signs of abuse and report any suspected mistreatment immediately.

The most common types of abuse are physical, emotional, financial and verbal. The National Council on Aging says approximately up to five million older Americans are abused every year, and the annual loss by victims of financial abuse is estimated to be at least $36.5 billion.

Given such large numbers, it’s almost guaranteed business owners and/or employees will encounter someone who is experiencing a form of elder abuse.  BBB is contacted daily about scams specifically targeting seniors which end up costing them more than money.

Employees in banking, real estate, home health care, home repair and beauty salons can help by watching for certain signs. BBB recommends business owners share the following signs with employees including neglect, which can include:

• Lack of basic hygiene, adequate food or clean and appropriate clothing;
• Lack of medical aids (glasses, walkers, hearing aids, medications);
• Unsupervised person with dementia;
• Person confined to bed without care;
• Cluttered home, filthy, in disrepair, or having fire and safety hazards;
• Home without adequate facilities (stove, refrigerator, heating, cooling, plumbing and electric);
• Untreated pressure “bed” sores.

That also includes Financial Abuse/Exploitation, which can include:

• Lack of amenities victim could afford;
• Giving excessive financial reimbursement/gifts for care and companionship;
• Caregiver controls elder’s money but fails to provide for elder’s needs;
• Caregiver is overly concerned about elder spending money;
• Elder/adult signs property transfers (Power of Attorney, new will, etc.) but is unable to comprehend the transaction or what it means.

This can also include Psychological/Emotional Abuse, which can include:

• Unexplained or uncharacteristic changes in behavior, such as withdrawal from normal activities;
• Caregiver isolates elder;
• And Caregiver is verbally aggressive, uncaring or demeaning.

This can also include Physical/Sexual Abuse, which can include:

• Inadequately explained fractures, bruises, welts, cuts, sores or burns;
• Unexplained sexually transmitted diseases.

You should also become familiar with common scams targeting seniors including:

• The Grandparents scam,
• Bogus sweepstakes/lottery scam,
• The Tech support scam,
• Resist the urge to act immediately so you can do your research,
• Make sure you know who you’re really talking to, If you don’t recognize a phone number, let the call go to voicemail,
• Never wire money or send gift cards to someone you don’t know,
• Be aware that a check can bounce even after your bank allows you to withdraw cash from the deposit,
• And never give control of your computer to or share passwords with anyone who contacts you.

Report suspected fraud to:

• Your bank or credit card company as they may be able to reverse charges for purchases made months or more before,
• Depending on the fraud, the Better Business Bureau at BBB.org,
• Or other government agencies.

Report all cases of suspected scams and fraud to BBB.org/scamtracker.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.