Recognizing and Preventing Elder Abuse: A Guide for East Tennessee Families

Elder abuse is more common than most families realize. The National Council on Aging estimates that approximately 1 in 10 Americans over 60 experiences some form of abuse, neglect, or exploitation — and that the vast majority of cases go unreported. For every case that is reported, experts estimate five more are not.

Most elder abuse is perpetrated not by strangers, but by trusted individuals: family members, paid caregivers, financial advisors, and neighbors.

Types of Elder Abuse

Physical abuse: Striking, pushing, restraining, or otherwise causing physical harm. Signs include unexplained bruises or injuries, particularly in patterns inconsistent with the reported cause.

Emotional and psychological abuse: Threatening, humiliating, isolating, or intimidating an older adult. Signs include withdrawal, sudden personality changes, fearfulness around specific individuals, or a senior who seems reluctant to speak freely in the presence of a caregiver.

Financial exploitation: Unauthorized use of an older adult's money, property, or assets. This is among the most common forms of elder abuse and is often difficult to detect. Warning signs include:

• Unpaid bills or utilities shut off despite apparent financial resources
• Unexplained withdrawals or transfers from bank accounts
• Changes to wills, trusts, or power of attorney documents, especially recent ones
• Sudden "new friends" who take an unusual interest in financial matters

Neglect: Failure to provide adequate food, shelter, medical care, or personal hygiene — either by a paid caregiver or a family member who has taken responsibility for care. Signs include malnutrition, untreated medical conditions, poor hygiene, or unsafe living conditions.

Sexual abuse: Any non-consensual sexual contact.

Who Is at Higher Risk?

Elder abuse is more common among:

• Seniors with cognitive impairment or dementia (who may not be able to report or recognize abuse)
• Socially isolated seniors who have limited contact with outside parties
• Seniors with physical disabilities who depend heavily on one person for care
• Seniors in difficult financial or housing situations

What to Do If You Suspect Elder Abuse in East Tennessee

If there is immediate danger, call 911.

For non-emergency situations:

• Tennessee Adult Protective Services: Call (888) 277-8366 to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of adults 60 and older. Reports can be made anonymously.
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman: For concerns about abuse in nursing homes or assisted living facilities, contact the Tennessee Long-Term Care Ombudsman at (615) 253-5412.
• Knox County Sheriff or local law enforcement for financial exploitation that may constitute a crime.

How Professional Home Care Acts as a Protective Factor

One of the most effective protections against elder abuse is reducing social isolation. When a senior has regular, trusted contact with professional caregivers, they are:

• Less dependent on any single individual who might exploit that dependency
• Observed regularly by trained professionals who know what abuse looks like
• More likely to have someone to confide in or report concerns to

Harmony at Home caregivers are background-checked, trained in recognizing abuse, and operate within a care coordination system that involves family members and supervisors. We serve as an extra set of eyes for families who are concerned but can't be present every day.

If you have concerns about a loved one's safety or are looking for professional care to provide oversight and support, contact us for a free consultation.

Harmony at Home is committed to the dignity and safety of every senior we serve in East Tennessee. Call (865) 269-6345.