Elder abuse
Elder abuse
Elder abuse (pronunciation: /ˈɛldər əˈbjuːz/) is 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. This type of violence constitutes a violation of human rights and includes physical, sexual, psychological, and emotional abuse; financial and material abuse; abandonment; neglect; and serious loss of dignity and respect.
Etymology
The term "elder abuse" was first used in the early 1970s, drawing from the phrase "child abuse," to describe acts of violence and neglect against older adults. The term "elder" is derived from the Old English word "eldra," meaning "older" or "more senior."
Types of Elder Abuse
- Physical abuse involves the use of physical force that may result in bodily injury, physical pain, or impairment.
- Sexual abuse is non-consensual sexual contact of any kind with the older person.
- Psychological or emotional abuse involves the infliction of anguish, pain, or distress through verbal or non-verbal acts.
- Financial or material abuse involves the illegal or improper use of an elder's funds, property, or assets.
- Neglect is the refusal or failure to fulfill any part of a person's obligations or duties to an older person.
- Abandonment is the desertion of an elderly person by an individual who has assumed responsibility for providing care for an elder.
Related Terms
- Elder law is a specialized area of legal practice, covering estate planning, wills, trusts, arrangements for care, social security and retirement benefits, protection against elder abuse (physical, emotional, and financial), and other involving older people.
- Adult protective services is a social service program provided by state and/or local governments nationwide serving seniors and adults with disabilities who are in need of assistance.
- Gerontology is the study of the social, cultural, psychological, cognitive, and biological aspects of aging.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Elder abuse
- Wikipedia's article - Elder abuse
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