Definition: Elder abuse is an umbrella term used to describe one or more of the following:
- Physical abuse is the willful infliction of physical pain or injury, e.g., slapping, bruising, sexually molesting, or restraining.
- Sexual abuse is the infliction of non-consensual sexual contact of any kind.
- Emotional or psychological abuse is the infliction of mental or emotional anguish, e.g., humiliating, intimidating, or threatening.
- Financial or material exploitation is the improper act or process of an individual, using the resources of an older person, without his/her consent, for someone else's benefit.
- Neglect is the failure of a caretaker to provide goods or services necessary to avoid physical harm, mental anguish or mental illness, e.g., abandonment, denial of food or health related services.
- Self-neglect is characterized as the behavior of an elderly person that threatens his/her own health or safety.
Pronunciation: eld'er a-bus'
Also Known As: Neglect
Examples: Adult protective services investigates reports of eleder abuse.
