What is Elder Abuse?

In general, elder abuse refers to intentional or neglectful acts by a caregiver or “trusted” individual that lead to, or may lead to, harm of a vulnerable elder. Physical abuse; neglect; emotional or psychological abuse; verbal abuse and threats; financial abuse and exploitation; sexual abuse; and abandonment are considered forms of elder abuse. In many states, self-neglect is also considered mistreatment.

The Holy Bible teaches us that Wisdom is with the aged in Job:12-12-kjv

"With the ancient is Wisdom and in length of days is understanding."

There is so much we can learn from our elders.

 If we take the time to care; they are more than willing to share.

Types of Elder Abuse

The National Center on Elder Abuse defines
seven different types of elder abuse: physical abuse; sexual abuse; emotional abuse; financial exploitation; neglect; abandonment; and self neglect.

These definitions are based on an
analysis of existing State and Federal definitions of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation conducted by the Center in 1995.

Physical abuse. Use of physical force that may result in bodily injury, physical pain, or impairment.

Sexual Abuse. Non-consensual sexual
contact of any kind with an elderly person.

Emotional abuse.  Infliction of anguish, pain, or distress through verbal or non-verbal acts.

Financial/material exploitation. Illegal or improper use of an elder's funds, property,or assets.

Neglect. Refusal, or failure, to fulfill any
part of a person’s obligations or duties to an
elderly person.

Abandonment. Desertion of an elderly person by an individual who has physical custody of the elder or by a person who has assumed responsibility for providing care to the elder.

Self-neglect. Behaviors of an elderly person that threaten the elder’s health or safety.

Highlights of A Study of Domestic
Elder Abuse Reports Presented below are selected findings from a national study of state domestic elder abuse reports, conducted by the National Center on Elder Abuse. 

•  Data were collected from State adult protective service agencies and State units on aging. As noted above, many incidents are not reported; thus, these numbers may
  under count the extent of the problem. From 1986 to 1996 there has been a steady increase in the reporting of domestic elder abuse nationwide:  117,000 reports in 1986; 128,000 reports in 1987; 140,000 reports in 1988; 211,000 reports in 1990; 213,000 reports in 1991; 227,000 reports in 1993; 241,000 reports in 1994; 286,000 in 1995 and 293,000 in 1996. The 1996 figure represents an increase of 150 percent since 1986.
  

 Reports of Domestic Elder Abuse

• This study estimates that approximately 1.01
  million elders were victims of various types of domestic elder abuse in 1996. This figure, however, excludes self-neglecting elders. If self-neglecting elders are added, the total number of elder abuse victims might be as high.

For more information on this report please click on the link below:

www.ncea.aoa.gov

Together We Can Help Stop Elder Abuse

Questions?
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