Legal Definitions - elder abuse

Elder abuse refers to any act or omission that causes harm or serious risk of harm to an older adult. This abuse can take many forms, including physical violence, emotional or psychological torment, sexual assault, financial exploitation, or neglect. It often occurs at the hands of a caregiver, family member, or another individual in a position of trust or authority over the elder.

Here are some examples illustrating elder abuse:

• Example 1: Financial Exploitation
  An elderly widow, Mrs. Henderson, relies on her nephew, Mark, to manage her finances. Mark convinces her to sign over power of attorney and then uses her savings to pay off his personal debts, leaving her unable to cover her living expenses. This illustrates financial exploitation, a common form of elder abuse, where a trusted individual misuses or steals an older person's assets for their own benefit, causing them financial hardship.

• Example 2: Neglect
  Mr. Chen, who requires daily assistance with medication and hygiene due to a mobility impairment, lives with his adult daughter. She frequently leaves him alone for extended periods, fails to administer his prescribed medication, and does not ensure he has adequate food or clean living conditions. This demonstrates neglect, a form of elder abuse where a caregiver fails to provide the necessary care, support, or attention an older adult needs, leading to harm or a significant risk of harm to their health and well-being.

• Example 3: Emotional/Psychological Abuse
  In a nursing home, a staff member regularly yells at an elderly resident, Ms. Rodriguez, threatening to withhold her meals if she doesn't comply immediately with demands, and isolates her from social activities as punishment. This is an example of emotional or psychological elder abuse, where an older person is subjected to behaviors that cause mental anguish, fear, or distress, undermining their dignity and sense of security.