Jun. 24, 2026
Elder Abuse Awareness Month occurs in June every year, and East Tennessee nonprofit Senior Citizens Home Assistance Service (SCHAS) has shared examples and warning signs, including physical, sexual, emotional and financial abuse.
The Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging estimates more than 5 million seniors are victims of elder abuse in the United States each year, which is more than the combined total of reported child abuse and domestic violence victims.
“Most people are familiar with obvious signs like physical abuse,” said Amy Blackburn, CEO of SCHAS. “However, other types of abuse may not be as obvious, like emotional, financial, or when an older adult is being neglected or neglecting themselves.”
The following are examples of emotional abuse as defined by the Tennessee Department of Human Services Adult Protective Services (APS):
- Isolating older or vulnerable adults or preventing private visits.
- Preventing older or vulnerable adults from making or receiving phone calls.
- Using threatening, belittling or controlling behavior toward an older adult.
- An older adult becoming withdrawn, anxious or fearful.
Signs or examples of financial abuse or exploitation:
- Sudden changes in an older, vulnerable adult’s financial situation.
- Financial activity an older or vulnerable adult could not have completed, such as ATM withdrawal by someone who is bedridden or unable to leave the home.
- Lack of food, disconnected utilities or poor home upkeep, especially when a family caregiver is assisting the older adult.
- An older adult with dementia, cognitive impairment or memory loss giving “permission” for a family member or caregiver to withdraw money or use the older adult’s credit card. If situational capacity is in question due to dementia, this is not considered permission.
Signs or examples of sexual abuse of an older adult:
- Frequent genital or urinary tract irritation or infections.
- Bruising on genitals, upper torso or upper thighs.
- An older, vulnerable adult showing discomfort with caregiver during bathing, dressing or bathroom use.
- Little or no privacy while bathing or dressing.
- An older adult with dementia, cognitive impairment or memory loss giving “consent” to sexual contact. If situational capacity is in question due to dementia, this is not considered consent.
Signs or examples of neglect (including self-neglect):
- Unusual weight loss, malnutrition or dehydration.
- Untreated health issues, such as bedsores.
- Poor personal hygiene.
- Clothing that is inappropriate for the weather.
- Unsafe living conditions, such as no heat or running water, faulty wiring, fire hazards, dirt, pests or soiled bedding or clothing.
- Failure to seek needed medical treatment or refusal to allow caregivers to provide necessary care.
Anyone who suspects a vulnerable adult may be a victim of abuse, neglect or self-neglect should notify APS at 1-888-APS-TENN (277-8366).
“Keep in mind that older adults have the right to self-determination and can refuse APS or other assistance unless the older adult has dementia, cognitive impairment or memory loss, in which case situational capacity may need to be determined.” Blackburn said. “Regardless, the abuse investigation is not voluntary.”
SCHAS provides in-home care services for older adults, veterans and individuals with disabilities across East Tennessee. The nonprofit is a state-licensed Personal Support Services Agency (PSSA) providing personal care, assistance with activities of daily living (ADL), companionship, cooking, cleaning and respite care for family caregivers.
Information about SCHAS services can be found at schas.org/services.
About Senior Citizens Home Assistance Service, Inc. (SCHAS)
Senior Citizens Home Assistance Service, Inc. (SCHAS) provides older adults, Veterans, and adults with disabilities with solutions for long-term care and aging in place through non-medical in-home caregiving and supportive services. These services include assistance with personal care, from dressing and grooming to medication reminders; household assistance, including light housekeeping, meal preparation, laundry and grocery shopping; and companionship. We also offer respite care for primary caregivers and family members. We measure success by the comfort and safety our clients feel at home, the meaningful companionship we provide and the quality of care that helps them age in place with dignity. Learn more about SCHAS at schas.org.
