Elder Abuse

Financial Abuse

Financial abuse is another common form of elder abuse. In this type of abuse, a perpetrator takes advantage of an older person's material wealth. They may seek financial favors from the older person, such as [Page 467]pocket money or small financial sums. Abusers may attempt to live with older people and provide them with a semblance of companionship in return for household goods or living expenses. In more extreme cases, perpetrators may take control of an older person's finances. They may deny the elder access to his or her own money, while siphoning off the funds for themselves. Such financial misappropriation may be especially easy for a family member to perpetrate if the elder had previously asked the family member to be in charge of his or her finances. A final form of financial abuse may occur if the elder is nefariously persuaded to change his or her will or trust to benefit the abuse perpetrator. Twelve percent of abuse cases are related to financial exploitation.

Physical and Sexual Abuse

Physical abuse is an additional form of elder abuse. Physical abuse can include hitting, slapping, or otherwise hurting an elderly person. Physical abuse can also include purposefully restraining an older person in order to cause pain. A key criterion for physical abuse is that the pain is intentionally inflicted upon the older person. Fifteen percent of elderly abuse is physical abuse. Psychological and emotional abuse is seen when an older person is berated by a caregiver. The elder may be yelled at, insulted, threatened, or demeaned. A central aspect of psychological abuse is that the perpetrator intentionally inflicts mental harm upon the victim. Approximately 8 percent of elder abuse cases are related to psychological abuse.

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