Recognizing and Preventing Elder Abuse

June 15, 2026

Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, observed every year on June 15 and recognized as a United Nations Observance in 2011. At Nova Leap Home Health, our mission is to keep older adults safe, dignified, and cared for in the comfort of their own homes. Part of that mission means speaking openly about something that too often goes unspoken: elder abuse.

Elder abuse is far more common than most people realize. According to the World Health Organization, one in six people aged 60 and older experience some form of abuse each year.¹ In the United States alone, an estimated 5 million older Americans experience elder abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation annually.²

This year's theme from the National Center on Elder Abuse is Beyond Awareness: Making Elder Abuse Prevention Work.³ That theme reflects exactly what we believe. Awareness is only the beginning. Prevention requires action from families, communities, health care providers, and home care professionals alike.

What Is Elder Abuse?

Elder abuse is not a single act. It takes many forms, and it can happen in any setting, including a person's own home. The United Nations identifies the following categories:⁴

• Physical abuse: hitting, pushing, restraining, or otherwise causing bodily harm
• Psychological or emotional abuse: threats, humiliation, isolation, or intimidation
• Financial abuse or exploitation: stealing money, forging signatures, or manipulating an older adult's finances
• Neglect: failing to provide food, medication, hygiene, or medical care
• Sexual abuse: any non-consensual contact or behavior

Elder abuse often occurs in situations where individuals lack visibility, support, or access to services. It is widely under-recognized and under-reported. Many victims are afraid to speak up, feel shame, or depend on the very people who are harming them.⁵

Financial Abuse Is a Growing Crisis

One form of elder abuse that is escalating rapidly is financial exploitation. Recent data from the Federal Trade Commission shows that financial losses among consumers aged 60 and older quadrupled between 2020 and 2024, reaching $2.4 billion.⁶⁻⁷ In 2025, the FTC received over 375,000 reports of government imposter scams targeting older adults, with total losses of $917 million.⁶⁻⁷

Scammers often target older adults through phone calls, emails, and even social media. If you help manage the finances of an older loved one, talk openly about these threats. Set up alerts on bank accounts and check in regularly.

Warning Signs to Watch For

One of the most important things families and caregivers can do is learn to recognize the warning signs of abuse. These include:⁸

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or other physical injuries
• Sudden changes in behavior, such as withdrawal from social activities or seeming fearful
• Malnourishment or poor personal hygiene that was not a previous concern
• Unexpected changes to a will, bank account, or power of attorney
• Unpaid bills or missing funds that cannot be explained
• A caregiver or family member who speaks for the older adult, not allowing them to speak alone

How Professional Home Care Helps Prevent Elder Abuse

Professional in-home care provides an important layer of protection for older adults. When a trained, vetted caregiver visits regularly, there is consistent accountability, a reliable witness to a client's condition, and a trusted person the client can speak to privately. Our caregivers are trained to observe and report changes in client wellbeing. We conduct background checks on every employee, and we maintain oversight of every care plan.

Families who live far away or carry heavy caregiver burdens of their own can experience burnout, which in some cases can unintentionally lead to neglect. Professional home care provides respite, structure, and peace of mind. Our older adults deserve safety, dignity, and protection. On this World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, we stand with every survivor and every family working to do right by their loved one.

What to Do If You Suspect Elder Abuse

If you suspect an older adult is experiencing abuse, neglect, or exploitation, do not ignore the warning signs. Speak with the individual privately if possible, document your concerns, and report suspected abuse to your local Adult Protective Services agency. If the person is in immediate danger, call 911.

If you need guidance or support navigating concerns about a loved one's safety and well-being at home, contact your local Nova Leap Home Health office. Our team can help connect families with resources and discuss care options that promote safety, dignity, and independence.

Early action can make a meaningful difference in protecting an older adult's health, security, and quality of life.

Sources

¹ World Health Organization. (2021). Global Report on Ageism. https://www.who.int
² National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA). Elder Abuse Statistics and Resources. https://ncea.acl.gov
³ Aging Ahead. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: Beyond Awareness, Making Elder Abuse Prevention Work. https://www.agingahead.org/blog/world-elder-abuse-awareness-day-june-15
⁴ United Nations. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Background. https://www.un.org/en/observances/elder-abuse-awareness-day/background
⁵ United Nations. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. https://www.un.org/en/observances/elder-abuse-awareness-day
⁶ Social Security Administration. Protecting Older Americans from Fraud and Financial Exploitation. https://www.ssa.gov/news
⁷ Federal Trade Commission. Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book. https://www.ftc.gov
⁸ National Day Calendar. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, June 15. https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com
⁹ National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA). World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Resources. https://ncea.acl.gov/weaad