What is Elder Abuse and Who is at Risk?
What is elder abuse?
Elder abuse is a term referring to any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult. The specificity of laws varies from state to state, but broadly defined, abuse may be:
- Physical Abuse - Inflicting, or threatening to inflict, physical pain or injury on a vulnerable elder, or depriving them of a basic need.
- Emotional Abuse - Inflicting mental pain, anguish, or distress on an elder person through verbal or nonverbal acts.
- Sexual Abuse - Non-consensual sexual contact of any kind.
- Exploitation - Illegal taking, misuse, or concealment of funds, property, or assets of a vulnerable elder.
- Elder Neglect - Refusal or failure by those responsible to provide food, shelter, health care or protection for a vulnerable elder.
- Abandonment - The desertion of a vulnerable elder by anyone who has assumed the responsibility for care or custody of that person.
Who is at risk?
Elder abuse can affect people of all ethnic backgrounds and social status and can affect both men and women.
Older people and the disabled are especially vulnerable to physical abuse, neglect by caregivers and family members, and financial exploitation.