{"id":5901,"date":"2022-09-06T17:38:22","date_gmt":"2022-09-06T22:38:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bentonhouse.com\/?p=5901"},"modified":"2024-02-09T13:17:33","modified_gmt":"2024-02-09T19:17:33","slug":"types-of-elder-abuse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bentonhouse.com\/blog\/types-of-elder-abuse\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Types of Elder Abuse, and How You Can Help Keep Your Loved One Safe"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re a caregiver to a senior loved one, you probably know this unfortunate reality: while abuse can happen to anyone, older people are particularly vulnerable.<\/p>\n

But did you also know that elder abuse is increasing in the U.S., in particular since COVID-19?<\/p>\n

In fact, 21.3% of older persons reported experiencing abuse, an increase of 83.6% from before the pandemic.<\/p>\n

It can take many forms, however, making it challenging to spot sometimes.<\/p>\n

In this article, we\u2019ll explore the seven types of elder abuse, according to the American Psychological Association, and offer you some tools to help keep your senior loved one safe.<\/p>\n

7 Types of Elder Abuse<\/h1>\n

Let\u2019s take a look at the seven types of elder abuse identified by the American Psychological Association, so you can best protect your senior loved one.<\/p>\n

Physical abuse<\/h2>\n

Physical abuse of elders includes when a senior experiences bodily injury, physical pain, or impairment.<\/p>\n

Examples: Distress or even death as a result of someone intentionally using physical force\u2014like hitting, pushing, or burning.<\/p>\n

Sexual abuse<\/h2>\n

Sexual abuse of elders includes non-consensual contact of any kind. Sexual contact with an elderly person who can\u2019t give consent for any reason, or who is too confused to comprehend the situation is also sexual abuse.<\/p>\n

Examples: Forced nudity, any type of sexual assault and battery, unwanted touching.<\/p>\n

Emotional abuse<\/h2>\n

Emotional abuse of elders is an act that causes emotional pain or distress. Other types of abuse often result in emotional abuse as well.<\/p>\n

Examples: Verbal assaults, intimidation, threats, or harassment.<\/p>\n

Financial Abuse<\/h2>\n

Financial abuse of elders includes a range of fraud, scams, or other illegal or improper use of a senior\u2019s funds, assets, or property.<\/p>\n

Examples: Cashing checks without authorization, coercing an elderly person into signing a document, forging signatures.<\/p>\n

Neglect<\/h2>\n

Neglect as a type of elderly abuse usually means that a caregiver has failed to fulfill their duties to an older person.<\/p>\n

Examples; Not providing basic life necessities to a dependent senior, like clean water, food, shelter, or clothes.<\/p>\n

Abandonment<\/h2>\n

Abandonment is when a designated caregiver or guardian leaves a senior to take care of themselves.<\/p>\n

Examples: Leaving an elder somewhere without discussing their choice in the matter, or in any way deserting them.<\/p>\n

Self-neglect<\/h2>\n

Self-neglect refer to when an elderly person threatens his or her own health or safety. This could be for many reasons, like lowered physical or mental competency.<\/p>\n

Examples: When a senior fails to keep themselves fed, clothed, or sheltered.<\/p>\n

What to Do if You Suspect Elder Abuse of a Senior Loved One<\/h1>\n

While it\u2019s tough to read the stats about types of elder abuse, you\u2019ll be glad to know there is actually quite a lot you can do to protect your senior loved ones.<\/p>\n

We pulled together the following checklist of ways you can be proactive. Browse through, and if you see any you\u2019d like more specific guidance with, feel free to reach out<\/a> to us for support.<\/p>\n