Patient education: Elder abuse (The Basics)

What is elder abuse? — Elder abuse is any intentional action that harms an older person. ("Older person" in this case means anyone older than 60 or 65.) When elder abuse happens, it is often done by a person who takes care of, and has an ongoing relationship with, the older person. In 9 out of 10 cases, the abuser is a family member, usually the older person's partner or adult child. In some cases, the abuser is someone who cares for the older person in a hospital, nursing home, or other setting.

Are there different types of elder abuse? — Yes. Elder abuse can include any of the following:

●Physical abuse, such as hitting, kicking, or pushing the older person

●Sexual abuse, such as raping the older person or forcing them to remove clothing or do any sex act

●Psychological abuse, such as insulting or threatening the older person

●Illegal or inappropriate use of the older person's money or property

●Abandonment, meaning that the older person is left alone without care

●Neglect, meaning that the older person does not get the care they need

Neglect might be the most complicated item on this list, because it can involve self-neglect. Self-neglect is when the older person does not care for themselves properly. Neglect, in general, can mean that the older person:

●Does not get all of the food and water they need

●Does not get the medicines they need, or gets them at the wrong times or in the wrong doses

●Does not get bathed or dressed properly, or is left with dirty clothes or untreated sores or wounds

●Is forced to live in dirty conditions or in a home that is too hot or too cold

Is there anything I can do to prevent or stop the abuse? — Yes. If you have a loved one who is older, the most important thing to do is to keep in touch with them. If you suspect any problems with abuse or neglect, ask them about it, or bring it up with their doctor.

You can also call Adult Protective Services in your state. To find the phone number for Adult Protective Services, call directory assistance (4-1-1) and ask for the Department of Social Services or Aging Services.

You can also find information online at this website: www.nia.nih.gov/health/elder-abuse.

More on this topic

Patient education: Dementia (including Alzheimer disease) (The Basics)
Patient education: Caring for someone with Alzheimer disease or dementia (The Basics)
Patient education: Evaluating memory and thinking problems (The Basics)
Patient education: Mild cognitive impairment (The Basics)

Patient education: Dementia (including Alzheimer disease) (Beyond the Basics)