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What is Elder Abuse?

We define elder abuse as:

'A single or repeated act or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person'.

 

What happens and who is involved?

 

 

 People can be abused in different ways. These include:
Physical abuse
Psychological abuse
Financial abuse
Sexual abuse
Neglect

 
Abuse can occur anywhere:
someone’s own home
a carer’s home
day care
residential care
a nursing home
hospital
Both older men and women can be at risk of being abused. The abuser is usually well known to the person being abused. They may be:
a partner, child or relative
a friend or neighbour
a paid or volunteer care worker
a health or social worker, or other professional
older people may also be abused by a person they care for
Often, the people who abuse older people are exploiting a special relationship.  They are in a position of trust, whether through family bonds, friendship or through a paid caring role, and they exploit that trust.  Very rarely is the abuser someone who provides a family caring role. 

©2006 Action on Elder Abuse Registered Charity No: 1048397