WHO ARE THE VICTIMS OF ELDER ABUSE?
Although elders who have mental or physical disabilities are at the greatest risk, elder abuse can happen to anyone. More women than men live to be elders, but both sexes are equally at risk for abuse. Some older adults are abused they their spouses or by their children, others by caregivers in institutions. As with other types of abuse, those who abuse elders usually keep the victim socially isolated. WHAT TYPES OF ELDER ABUSE OCCUR? There are two categories of elder abuse: • DOMESTIC ELDER ABUSE – Maltreatment of an older person by someone who has a special relationship with the elder (spouse, sibling, child, friend, caregiver) • INSTITUTIONAL ELDER ABUSE – Maltreatment of an older person that occurs in residential facilities for older persons (nursing homes, group homes, board and care facilities) There are seven types of elder abuse: • Financial or Material Exploitation – The illegal or improper use of an elderly person’s funds, property or assets • withholding money • cashing an e
