Have you no�ced that the lights are now always off even at night in your elderly neighbor’s house?
Does your home health pa�ent have enough food in her house? The signs of elder abuse may be
subtle, but the abuse or neglect of adults over 60 years of age is more common than you think.
Although Tennessee law requires residents to report any suspicion of elder abuse or neglect, the
reality is most cases go unreported. In Memphis and Shelby County, the Family Safety Center is making
a difference through the Coordinated Response to Elder Abuse (CREA).
Social or geographic isola�on places older adults at risk for abuse or neglect. Whether you connect
with older adults through your church, a volunteer organiza�on, or while walking your dog through
the neighborhood, you can help authori�es iden�fy dangerous situa�ons and intervene. Stay
connected:
• Listen to older adults or others discussing the experience or suspicion of abuse;
• Don’t discount an individual’s claim simply because of a cogni�ve impairment or forge�ulness;
• Watch for indicators of abuse and behavior changes; and
• Ask ques�ons!
• Do you feel safe? Is anyone hur�ng
you or scaring you?
• Is anyone asking you to do things
that you do not understand or
that make you feel uncomfortable?
• Has anyone taken things that
belong to you without asking, or
without your approval?
• Do you rely on anyone else for
help? What kind of help? Does
that person ever fail to help you?
• Do you regularly see friends and
family? When is the last �me you
saw them?
• Do friends and family visit you?
• Are you being disrespected?
• Are you concerned about your finances?
• Are you afraid of anyone in your life?
Ask privately in an area where you will not be overheard.

 Emo�onal & Behavioral Signs
• Unusual changes in behavior or sleep
• Fear or anxiety
• Depression or isola�on
Physical Signs
• Broken bones, bruises, cuts, sores or burns
• Untreated bed sores
• Torn, stained or bloody underclothing
• Sexually transmi�ed diseases without explana�ons
• Dir�ness, poor nutri�on or dehydra�on
• Poor living condi�ons
• Lack of medical aids (walker, hearing aid, etc.)
Financial Signs
• Unusual changes in bank account or money
management
• Unusual changes in a will or financial documents
• Unpaid bills

If you suspect elder abuse, report it today. Call TN Adult
Protec�ve Services at 888-277-8366.
To contact CREA, which connects older adults with the
resources they need to be safe and independent, call the
Family Safety Center at 901-222-4400.