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Meritan is part of the Memphis Coordinated Community Response team that intervenes to protect older adults where there is a suspicion of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse as well as suspicions of neglect, abandonment, or financial exploitation, regardless of the setting or situation.

Help support these vital, no-cost services to these victims of Elder Abuse.

What is Elder Abuse?

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Elder abuse includes various types of abuse by another person or entity, in any setting, either in a relationship where there is an expectation of trust and/or when an older person is targeted based on age or disability.  Elder abuse includes:

  • Neglect

  • Physical Abuse

  • Sexual Abuse

  • Financial Abuse

  • Emotional Abuse

Why does elder abuse occur?

Many social factors—for example, a lack of support services and community resources—can make conditions ripe for elder abuse. Ageism (biases against or stereotypes about older people that keep them from being fully a part of their community) or social isolation also play a role in enabling elder abuse. By changing these contributing factors, we can prevent elder abuse and make sure all of us have the opportunity to thrive as we age.

What are the signs and symptoms of abuse?

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Older people who experience abuse often experience more than one type of abuse. In addition to an older person’s report of abuse or neglect, the signs and symptoms include:

  • Physical abuse – Signs to look for include bruises, broken bones, over- or under-medicating, or not allowing visitors to see the elder alone.

  • Sexual abuse – Signs of sexual abuse are bruises around breasts or genital area, STDs, unexplained bleeding, torn, stained, or bloody underclothing.

  • Emotional abuse – Characteristic signs are being emotionally upset, extremely withdrawn and non-communicative or non-responsive, or unusual behavior (e.g. sucking, biting, rocking, etc.)

  • Neglect – Neglect is defined as a failure to fulfill one’s obligations or duties to provide care to an older adult. Common signs of neglect are poor hygiene, pressure sores, malnutrition, dehydration, medication errors, and unsafe or unclean living conditions.

  • Financial Exploitation – Financial abuse or exploitation is defined as the illegal or improper use of an elder’s funds, property, or assets. To identify financial exploitation of an older person, watch for sudden changes in bank account activity or bank practices including withdrawal of large sums of money, adding names to accounts, unauthorized withdrawal of funds using an ATM card, abrupt changes in a will or other financial documents, quick deeding their home to another person, unexplained disappearance of funds or valuable possessions, substandard care being provided, or bills unpaid.

It is up to all of us to learn these signs and symptoms of abuse and report concerns to Adult Protective Services (APS) which can investigate allegations. Call 888-APS-TENN.

How big of a problem is elder abuse?

Elder abuse affects communities on many levels, from public health to civic participation to economic resources. For our communities to thrive, we need everyone in them to thrive too. Contrary to popular belief, elder abuse is a significant problem. Tennessee Adult Protective Services (APS), the investigative state agency, received nearly 2,000 referrals for elder abuse in 2012 for just Shelby County, Tennessee – 30% are substantiated cases. However, elder abuse is underreported.

The costs of elder abuse are high for the affected individuals and society alike. Older people’s losses can be tangible (their homes and life savings) and intangible (their dignity, independence, and possibly their lives). For society, elder abuse is both a social and economic issue: it creates health care and legal costs, which are often shouldered by public programs like Medicare and Medicaid and reduces older people’s participation in the life of the community. Therefore, it’s in everyone’s interest to prevent and address elder abuse.

Why don’t people report elder abuse?

People who experience elder abuse may be embarrassed, ashamed, and afraid. Almost 90% of elder abuse cases are attributable to family members, and victims don’t want to get them in trouble. It’s also possible that someone may be using threatening behavior to exert control over an older adult.

How can I make a referral or get help?

If you suspect elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation, call your state’s elder abuse hotline or reporting number. Help is available!

To get help, or to refer a case of suspected elder abuse or neglect in Tennessee, call Tennessee Adult Protective Services toll-free at 1-888-APS-TENN (1-888-277-8366).

We all have a DUTY TO REPORT. (T.C.A. 71-6-103b)

Tennessee law provides that “any person having reasonable cause to suspect that an adult has suffered abuse, neglect or exploitation, shall report or cause reports to be made”, giving such information to TN Adult Protective Services.

Regarding the “Duty to Report”, you do not have to prove that elder abuse or neglect has happened, you just need to report it so the professionals can make the determination.  So don’t delay, report suspected elder abuse today..

CREA Assistance – Shelby County, TN
For assistance from the Coordinated Response to Elder Abuse (CREA) call Meritan at 901-766-0600.

24-Hour Help Line – Shelby County, TN
For 24-hour confidential help for elders and those concerned about an elder, call the Elder Lifeline via the Memphis Crisis Center at (901) 274-7477.

WHO ARE MEMBERS OF CREA & HOW DO THEY WORK TOGETHER?

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The Coordinated Community Response (CCR) members are a collection of more than 20 organizations ranging from government and community-based agencies to non-profits. All CREA partners share a common vision and responsibility to enhance the safety of adults 60 and older.

Partners hold each other accountable to create a seamless response to the needs of victims of elder abuse. To define and align the resources that can facilitate quick intervention in cases of reported elder abuse, partners follow a comprehensive and sustainable model of community response that is victim-centered and seeks justice.

In most cases of elder abuse, the perpetrator is someone the victim knows and trusts; two-thirds of perpetrators of elder abuse are related to their victims. CREA care coordinators and other CREA team members are housed at Meritan, where the infrastructure is in place to provide health, and social services to victims of family violence.

WHAT SERVICES CAN CREA PROVIDE?

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CREA’s services are intended for individuals over the age of 60 who may be abused and who are seeking services in response to elder abuse. Older adults have the right to self-determination and to request services. All referrals for the following services are made by law enforcement, victim advocates, and elder care coordinators only.

Advocacy: Victim advocates and elder care coordinators are specially trained to support older adults, listen to their wishes, and make referrals for services they request. Individual and group counseling services are available as well as transportation for court hearings, medical appointments, and adult day care programs. When there is an urgent need, a victim advocate will visit an older adult with law enforcement officers during the day. The advocate will assist the older adult by making referrals for emergency housing and healthcare for their protection, in addition to introducing them to a care coordinator to provide additional services.

Healthcare: A medical evaluation and homemaker services may be necessary to keep the older adult in their home and for their physical well-being. RN and MD home visits are available.

Housing: Temporary emergency housing services are available and located in a foster home, assisted living facility, or nursing home depending on the needs and wishes of the older adult.

Legal: Through other CREA partners, legal professionals are prepared to meet the needs of an older adult who is abused. The attorneys will work with the probate court, the district attorney’s office, and law enforcement when needed. They can address the power of attorney, orders of protection, conservatorship, and concerns with financial institutions.

CREA Partner Organizations

The Coordinated Response to Elder Abuse community partners include, but are not limited to, 

TO LEARN MORE OR TO CONTACT CREA:

For assistance from CREA of Memphis and Shelby County, call Meritan at 901-766-0600.