The social epidemic of elder abuse is most often defined as any act that harms a senior or jeopardizes his or her health or well-being. Elder abuse often occurs when there is an imbalance of control that limits or takes control over the rights and freedoms of an older adult. In many cases, the actions or deliberate behaviour is by a person in a position of trust, such as an adult child, family member, friend, or caregiver.
Elder abuse can take various forms of maltreatment:
- Financial Abuse
- Emotional/ Psychological Abuse
- Physical Abuse
- Sexual Abuse
- Neglect
Financial Abuse
Although there are many different forms of abuse, the most prominent among seniors is financial abuse. Financial abuse can be caused by a false sense of entitlement over money or possessions.
Financial abuse can take the form of misappropriation of financial resources, theft, misuse of Power of Attorney, financial control without consent resulting in a monetary of personal gain to the abuser, or a financial loss for the senior.
Emotional/ Psychological Abuse
Emotional and Psychological abuse is characterized by a person subjecting or exposing a senior to behavior that may impact a seniors overall social well-being.
It is often associated with power imbalances, intimidation, humiliation, threats, isolation, being ignored, or bullied.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse is a form of physical violence, inappropriate physical mistreatment, or rough handling that may or may not cause discomfort and may lead to physical injury.
Inappropriate actions include pushing, shaking, hitting, restraining, and the inappropriate use of prescribed medications by way of refusing to administer or sedating a senior.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is any unwanted sexual statements, remarks, propositions, or engaging in any type of sexual act that physically violates an individual without their consent. This form of abuse can be difficult to identify and is one of the most under reported forms of abuse.
Neglect
Neglect can be defined as a form of mistreatment of an older adult, where their basic needs including necessities (food, water, shelter, medical attention), stimulation, supervision, affection, and appropriate assistive devices are not provided. Abusers may also deny social contact, prohibit one from leaving their home, and may not be providing appropriate medical care due to carelessness or a sense of unwillingness.
