Elder Abuse Prevention

purple ribbon

Elder Abuse Awareness & Prevention

Purple is the national color for elder abuse prevention, symbolizing dignity, respect, and a commitment to protecting older adults. By wearing purple during awareness events or throughout the year, community members help spark conversations, honor survivors, and show support for safer, stronger communities.

Residents play a vital role in helping reduce risk and supporting safe, respectful treatment of older adults. Older adults who rely on others for daily care, especially those with dementia, memory loss, limited mobility, or few supports face higher risk. Women and older seniors are impacted at greater rates. Residents are encouraged to learn the warning signs and report concerns early to help reduce risk and protect vulnerable adults in our community.

  • About 5 million older adults in the United States experience abuse, neglect, or exploitation each year.
  • Experts estimate that for every report made, up to 23 cases go unreported.
  • 90% of abusers are family members or trusted individuals.
  • In North Carolina, more than 24,500 reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of older adults were made in a single year.
  1. Recognizing Abuse
  2. Report Abuse
  3. Helpful Resources

Identifying Red Flags in Older Adult Safety

Elder abuse can affect anyone and includes physical harm, neglect, emotional or psychological mistreatment, verbal threats, financial exploitation, sexual abuse, and abandonment. It may occur at home, in long-term care facilities, or in other settings.

Physical & Sexual Abuse

  • Bruises, welts, cuts, fractures, or broken eyeglasses
  • Untreated injuries or signs of over- or under-medication
  • Sudden behavior changes
  • Unexplained genital infections or bleeding
  • Torn or stained underclothing
  • The older adult reports being harmed

Financial Abuse & Exploitation

  • Unusual withdrawals or changes to bank accounts
  • Unexpected changes to wills, titles, or legal documents
  • Missing money or personal items
  • Unpaid bills despite having resources
  • Forged signatures or sudden asset transfers
  • The older adult reports financial exploitation

Psychological & Emotional Abuse

  • Isolation from friends, neighbors, or activities
  • Fear, agitation, withdrawal, or unusual behavior
  • Yelling, threats, blaming, or intimidation
  • Ignoring or belittling the older adult
  • The older adult reports being mistreated

Neglect & Abandonment

  • Weight loss, dehydration, untreated medical needs, or poor hygiene
  • Unsafe or unsanitary living conditions
  • Homes without working heat, water, or electricity
  • Leaving an older adult at a hospital or public place with no plan for care
  • The older adult reports being left alone or neglected