PHYSICAL ABUSE: Such as hitting, shaking, or pulling hair.
EMOTIONAL ABUSE: Such as name calling, treating the elderly like children, denying access to friends or family.
SEXUAL ABUSE: Any kind of non-consensual sexual contact with an older person.
SELF-NEGLECT: Such as failing to provide for ones needs for personal care, medical care, food or safe surroundings.
NEGLECT: Such as the denial of food, personal care, medical care, or safe surroundings by a care giver.
EXPLOITATION: Such as taking over control of assets or income.
There is often mention of another type of abuse called SYSTEMIC NEGLECT. This would include governmental and societal values which deny services and the development of humane policies for elders.
Who Are The Victims?
Persons who: Population trends, longer life spans, enhanced public awareness and improved reporting indicate increasing numbers of elder abuse reports.
Are dependent on caregivers for physical and emotional needs
Are socially isolated with few friends in whom to confide
Are frail of suffering from a chronic physical or emotional condition
Feel powerless in an abusive situation
Caregivers who inflict abuse on elders may themselves be victims of stress overload, an unresponsive society, or lack of awareness of resources and services.
People need to realize that they are not alone in their situation and that help is available.
