the typical victim of elder abuse is a woman who: course hero
by Dr. Susana Lockman DDS
Published 2 years ago
Updated 1 year ago
10 min read
Types of Abuse
Who Is Being Abused?
Most victims of abuse are women, but some are men. Likely targets are older adults who have no family or friends nearby and people with disabilities, memory problems, or dementia. Abuse can happen to any older adult, but often affects those who depend on others for help with activities of everyday life — including bathing, dressing, and taking medi...
Financial abuseis becoming a widespread and hard-to-detect issue. Even someone you've never met can steal your financial information using the telephone, internet, or email. Be careful about sharing any financial information over the phone or online — you don't know who will use it. In addition to the theft of an older person’s money or belongings, financial abuse also includes: Fin…
You may see signs of abuse or neglect when you visit an older adult at home or in an eldercare facility. You may notice the person: 1. Stops taking part in activities he or she enjoys 2. Looks messy, with unwashed hair or dirty clothes 3. Has trouble sleeping 4. Loses weight for no reason 5. Becomes withdrawn or acts agitated or violent 6. Displays signs of trauma, like rocking back a…
Elder abuse will not stop on its own. Someone else needs to step in and help. Many older adults are too ashamed to report mistreatment. Or, they're afraid if they make a report it will get back to the abuser and make the situation worse. If you think someone you know is being abused — physically, emotionally, or financially — talk with him or her when the two of you are alone. You c…
Most physical wounds heal in time. But elder abuse can lead to early death, harm to physical and psychological health, destroy social and family ties, cause devastating financial loss, and more. Any type of mistreatment can leave the abused person feeling fearful and depressed. Sometimes, the victim thinks the abuse is his or her fault. Adult protective service agencies can suggest sup…
For More Information About Elder Abuse and Where to Get Help
This content is provided by the NIH National Institute on Aging (NIA). NIA scientists and other experts review this content to ensure it is accurate and up to date. Content reviewed: July 29, 2020