Elder Abuse

Elder abuse is the physical, emotional, financial, sexual mistreatment or neglect of older adults. The term is also interchangeable with elderly abuse.

Elder abuse occurs when an individual or institution directly or indirectly causes harm, or the risk of harm, to an older adult.

In the United States, it is esimtated that there are up to 5,000,000 cases of elder abuse every year, with most of the cases going unreported. Most of the abusers are typically individuals that the elder has an expectation of trust with such as as a spouse, family member or caregiver. Professional caregivers in institutions such as nursing homes and assited living centers may be abusers as well.

Types of Elder Abuse

There are many different types of elder abuse, with the most common form being physical, financial and emotional abuse. Although laws vary from state to state, abuse may be broadly defined as the following:

Financial Elder Abuse
This type of abuse occurs when an elderly person’s finances and/or assets, such as real estate, are improperly used or taken away by another individual or instituion. Individuals and institutions that MAY commit financial abuse include (not limited to): Financial Planners, Conservators, Caregivers, Trustees, Banks and even Family Members and Friends.
Financial Abuse Include:		Warning Signs include:
Theft Embezzelment of money or property Fraud (telemarketing, investment, predatory lending, etc.) Identity theft		Large sums of money withdrawn from the account Transfer of real estate ownernship Unpaid bills Lack of funds to purchase personal amenities

Physical Elder Abuse
Physical abuse of elders is a serious crime which can occur through non-accidental actions that results in physical pain, injury, impairment, or in some cases, even death.
Physical Abuse Include:		Warning Signs include:
Physical assault (punching, hitting, biting, etc.) Sexual assault/Sexual abuse Denial of access to pain medications Denail of food and/or water Physical restraint Burn marks		Bite marks Lacerations Unusual bruises or broken bones High incidences or reocurrence of accidents Unusual injuries, swelling or distoration of the face, arms and legs

Emotional Elder Abuse and Neglect
This form of abuse occurs when an individual, or a group of individuals, make overt or covert verbal gestures or withold positive support that causes an elder emotional pain and suffering. Emotional abuse of elders is often difficult to prove. However, it is likely to be present if physical abuse exists.
Emotional Abuse Include:		Warning Signs include:
Intimidation Threats Humiliation Confinement Isolation		Low self-esteem Lowered self-worth Insecurity Sadness Depression