Home Safety & Security Recognizing Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation

Recognizing Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation

Did You Know?

Money mules are people who, at someone else’s direction, receive and move money that was obtained fraudulently. Some people become money mules after responding to online job ads or social media postings.  Never agree to move money from someone you’ve never met in person.

What is neglect?

Lonely senior woman in a wheelchair in nursing home looking out the window

Neglect is the failure by caregivers to provide adequate food, medical care, clothing and shelter to the adult in their care.

What are signs of neglect?

Signs of neglect can include:

  • Bedsores
  • Soiled bedding
  • Inadequate supervision
  • Lack of food or medical attention
  • Improper clothing
  • Dehydration

What are risk factors for neglect?

An adult might be at an increased risk for neglect if there is: 

  • A caregiver that lacks resources or support or has experienced a sudden increase in responsibilities
  • Worsening health condition of the adult needing care
  • Isolation of caregiver and vulnerable adult from others

What is self-neglect?

A dirty bedroom with food and dishes all over the floor beside an unmade bed

This occurs when an adult cannot meet their own physical, psychological, or social needs.

What are the signs of self-neglect?

  • Untreated medical condition or medications not taken correctly
  • Unsafe housing conditions including animal or insect infestations and lack of heat, electricity, or running water
  • Poor personal hygiene
  • An unkept home and/or a buildup of garbage or debris

What are some risk factors for self-neglect?

  • Loss of spouse, partner, or caretaker
  • Worsening physical, psychological, or cognitive abilities 
  • Social isolation or lack of community

What is physical or sexual abuse?

woman who looks stressed or worried

Physical abuse includes: slapping, hitting, beating, bruising, confinement or restraint against someone’s will, or any other action that causes physical pain, injury, or suffering.

Sexual abuse includes: physical force, threats, or coercion into non-consensual touching, fondling, intercourse, or other sexual contact.

What are signs of physical or sexual abuse?

  • Bruising
  • Strangulation
  • Fractures
  • Burns
  • Fear of caregiver
  • Genital injury, infection, or scarring
  • Medication being given incorrectly

What are risk factors for physical abuse?

  • Caregiver with substance use disorder
  • Violence or conflict in the home
  • Social isolation
  • Cognitive impairment or dementia

What is financial exploitation?

woman on phone with credit card

Financial exploitation can include misusing an adult’s property, belongings, or financial assets without their knowledge, under false pretenses, or through manipulation or coercion. 

What are the signs of financial exploitation?

  • Unusual financial activity — including large purchases, new credit cards, or ATM withdrawals
  • Purchases that the adult is not aware of
  • Missing valuables, checks, or bank statements
  • Changes to important financial documents, including power of attorney, bank accounts, or deeds to property
  • New signatures on accounts or forged signatures
  • Guide for Financial Institutions

What are some risk factors for financial exploitation?

  • Change in adult’s or caregiver’s financial situation
  • Lack of financial oversight
  • Inexperience with online banking or payment systems
  • Cognitive impairment or decline
  • Social isolation

What Can I Do?

Do you think someone might be experiencing abuse, neglect, self-neglect or exploitation? File an APS report immediately.

Make an APS Report

What if I’m not sure?

Do you just have a “feeling” about a situation but can’t verify the details? APS professionals are trained to handle such situations. Based on your report, APS will assess the situation and determine how best to respond.

This program is managed by the Adult Protective Services Division.