Recognize Signs of Elder Abuse and Support Older Adults
Monday, June 15, 2026 is Elder Abuse Awareness Day around the world. Join Community Action, Inc. and the Crossroads Project in sharing the warning signs and encouraging safety, dignity and respect for all.
Community members are being encouraged to learn the warning signs of elder abuse and domestic violence affecting older adults and to seek help as early as possible. Elder abuse can take many forms, including physical harm, intimidation, neglect, isolation, and financial exploitation, often involving someone the older adult knows or trusts.
Older adults can face unique barriers to reporting abuse, including fear, dependence on a caregiver, health concerns, limited mobility, or worries about losing housing or other support. Raising awareness can help families, caregivers, neighbors, and professionals identify when someone may be at risk and connect them with confidential assistance and safety planning.
Warning signs of elder abuse and domestic violence may include unexplained bruises, burns, fractures, or repeated injuries, along with fearfulness, withdrawal, anxiety, depression, or sudden changes in behavior. Other concerns may arise when a caregiver or partner refuses to let an older adult speak alone or isolates them from family and friends.
Additional warning signs may include poor hygiene, untreated medical needs, dehydration, malnutrition, unsafe living conditions, controlling behavior, threats, humiliation, intimidation, or verbal abuse. Financial red flags can include missing money, unusual banking activity, unpaid bills despite available funds, or sudden changes to financial documents. Frequent confusion, disorientation, signs that medications are being overused or withheld, or statements that an older adult has been harmed, threatened, neglected, or exploited should also be taken seriously.
If you or someone you know needs help, Crossroads at Community Action, Inc. provides domestic violence support services for Clearfield and Jefferson Counties. Call the 24-hour hotline at 1-800-598-3998 or contact the Crossroads’ office nearest you: DuBois (814) 371-1223 or Punxsutawney (814) 938-3580. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. By recognizing the signs of abuse and sharing available resources, community members can help protect older adults, support survivors, and promote safety, dignity, and respect for every person.