Behind closed doors, elder abuse does happen in Maine, to an estimated 14,000 older Mainers. Our senior citizens are being abused physically, mentally, even sexually — and the abuser is most often a family member or caregiver, perhaps the last person one would expect.

Some signs of abuse include name-calling and verbal threats; someone being under- or over-medicated; or signs of bruises, anxiety or depression. When an adult is unable to care for him or herself, there may be other signs of neglect such as inadequate food or shelter, or withholding necessities such as glasses, hearing aids or medical attention.

Exploitation is another form of abuse. That is the illegal or improper use of adults’ money or property, such as forcing adults to change over their wills, excessive payment for care, or not allowing adults to handle their own finances.

Eighty-five percent of cases in Maine go unreported. The public can help change this statistic by being watchful, and encouraging older persons to avoid becoming isolated, to stay in touch with friends and neighbors, and not to let pride or embarrassment prevent them from telling someone about abuse before it worsens.

June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. For those people who ever witness such signs of abuse, or have that uneasy feeling that someone is being abused, do not hesitate to call Adult Protective Services at 1-800-624-8404, Spectrum Generations at 1-800-639-1553, or call the local law enforcement agency.

Muriel Scott, president and CEO

Spectrum Generations, Augusta