What is abuse of older adults?

A simple definition is that an older adult is mistreated by someone:

    * who they trust
    * who has power over them
    * who is responsible for their care.

Abuse of older adults is also called "elder abuse" or "abuse of seniors." Older people can be abused in their own homes. They may also be abused in institutions. Examples are nursing homes, group homes or rooming houses.

Older women are also abused by their partners. Recent studies suggest that this abuse continues as they age.

What forms does abuse of older adults take?
 Here are some specific ways that older adults can be abused.

Physical abuse

This can mean causing someone to be physically uncomfortable. It can also mean hurting or injuring them. Someone is abusing an older adult when they:

    * slap, beat or burn them
    * give them too much or too little medication
    * handle them roughly
    * keep them confined, or use restraints to keep them from moving.

Psychological abuse

Psychological abuse decreases an older person's sense of who they are. It also harms their dignity and self-worth. Someone is committing this abuse when they:

    * swear, yell or call someone names
    * insult or threaten them
    * imitate or make fun of them
    * give them the "silent treatment", or refuse to talk to them in their mother tongue
    * make them feel they are "just too much trouble", or treat them like a child
    * threaten to take away services they need.