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P.O. Box 3110 - 910 East 3rd. Street Suite I
Gillette, WY 82717-3110
24 Hr. Crisis Line 307-686-8070
Phone: 307-686-8071 Fax: 307-686-8076
Monday thru Friday 8:30 - 4:30
E-mail: garf@vcn.com

What is Elder Abuse?

Elder abuse is the intentional or unintentional hurting, either physical or emotional, of a person who is age sixty five or older.

If you need help or are "in immediate danger" Call 911!

Elder abuse has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. Elderly people may be more vulnerable to abuse than others because of social isolation and mental impairment. Abuse of the elderly can occur in the elder's home, in a nursing home, or in public. The perpetrators of elderly abuse may be professional caregivers; relatives; spouses; partners; doctors; lawyers; bankers; accountants; or strangers. A caregiver may be unable to cope with the demands of caring for an elder, and some of the stress is relieved when they take advantage of someone else who is more vulnerable.

Types of Elder Abuse
PHYSICAL ABUSE: The use of physical force that may result in bodily injury, physical pain, or impairment, which may include striking, burning, force-feeding, or any other form of physical punishment
SEXUAL ABUSE: Non-consensual sexual contact of any kind with an elderly person, which may include unwanted touching, all types of sexual assault or battery, coerced nudity, and sexually explicit photographing.
EMOTIONAL: Infliction of anguish, pain, or distress through verbal or non-verbal acts, which may include verbal assaults, intimidation, humiliation, threats, isolation socially and from friends and family.
FINANCIAL/MATERIAL EXPLOITATION: Illegal or improper use of an elder's funds, property, or assets, which may include unauthorized check cashing, forgery, misusing or stealing possessions, deceiving the elderly into signing documents, and improper use of conservator ship, guardianship, or power of attorney.
NEGLECT: Refusal or failure to fulfill any part of a person's obligations or duties to an elderly person, which may include depriving of food, water, clothing, shelter, hygiene, medicine, comfort, and personal safety.
ABANDONMENT: Desertion of an elderly person by an individual who has physical custody of the elder or by a person who has assumed responsibility for providing care to the elder.
SELF-NEGLECT: Behaviors of an elderly person that threaten their own health or safety, which may include self-depriving or inadequate food, water, clothing, shelter, hygiene, medicine, and safety precautions.

Signs and Symptoms of Elder Abuse
Caregiver Indicators:
  • Caregiver is verbally abusive to staff, or is charming and friendly to service providers
  • Says things like "he's difficult," "she's stupid."
  • Attempts to convince others that the elder is incompetent or crazy
  • Is "overly attentive" to the elder
  • Controls the elder's activities
  • Refuses to allow interview or exam to take place without being present
  • Talks about the elder as if he or she is not a person
 Victim/Elder Indicators:
  • Elder has repeated accidental injuries
  • Appears isolated
  • Says or hints of being afraid
  • Considers or attempts suicide
  • Has vague chronic complaints
  • Is unable to follow through on treatment plans or medical care
  • Exhibits severe depression
  • Presents as "difficult" patient or client

Facts and Figures
  • From 1986 to 1996 there was a 150 percent increase in the reporting of elder abuse
  • Neglect is the most common form of elder maltreatment (after self neglect)
  • Adult children are the most frequent abusers of the elderly, the next frequent is the other family members followed by spouses
Every person, private citizen or professional, in Wyoming who has reason to believe that a elder over 65 has been abused is mandated by law to report the suspected abuse. Failure to do so is a crime. Report to the Department of Family Services, or after hours call 911.

© 2005 Gillette Abuse Refuge Foundation. All Rights Reserved

Designed by: GARF Volunteer David