Adult Abuse Prevention Month in 2026 is observed in May, recognized as a time to raise awareness about protecting older adults and vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

What Adult Abuse Prevention Month 2026 Represents

• Raising awareness of physical, emotional, financial, and sexual abuse of older adults and vulnerable adults.
• Educating communities about warning signs and reporting pathways.
• Promoting prevention strategies, including community support, caregiver resources, and protective services.
• Honoring older adults and recognizing their contributions to families and society.

This observance is typically supported by local governments, Adult Protective Services (APS), senior advocacy groups, and community organizations.

The most reliable warning signs of elder abuse fall into five clear categories: physical, emotional, financial, neglect, and sudden behavioral changes. Abuse is often subtle at first, so patterns matter more than any single incident.

Physical Signs

• Unexplained injuries — bruises, burns, fractures, or repeated ER visits with vague explanations.
• Frequent “accidents” — especially when the explanations don’t match the injuries.
• Signs of restraint — marks on wrists or ankles, or the elder being kept in one room.
• Medication problems — sudden sedation, confusion, or missed doses.

Emotional or Psychological Signs

• Withdrawal or fearfulness — especially around a specific caregiver.
• Sudden mood changes — anxiety, agitation, or depression without a clear cause.
• Caregiver intimidation — yelling, belittling, or isolating the elder.

Financial Exploitation Signs

• Unusual bank activity — large withdrawals, new joint accounts, or unfamiliar signatures.
• Missing belongings — jewelry, cash, or household items disappearing.
• Sudden legal changes — unexpected updates to wills, deeds, or power of attorney.

Neglect or Self-Neglect Signs

• Poor hygiene — unwashed clothing, body odor, or untreated medical needs.
• Unsafe living conditions — lack of heat, food, water, or clean bedding.
• Malnutrition or dehydration — sudden weight loss or confusion.

Behavioral Red Flags

• Caregiver prevents private conversations — refusing to leave the elder alone with others.
• Expressions of hopelessness — statements about being a burden.
• Fear of being alone with a caregiver — hesitation, flinching, or visible anxiety.

When to Take Action

If you notice multiple signs, or if something simply feels wrong, it’s important to trust that instinct. Abuse often escalates quietly, and early intervention can make a real difference.

Learn more about Albemarle County Adult Protective Services here.