Types of Abuse of Older Adults
Abuse disregards the rights of an individual. Any type of abuse is a violation of an individual's rights.
A definition of elder abuse is:
"an all-inclusive term representing all types of mistreatment or abusive behavior toward older adults." (Wolfe, 2000) Retrieved March 11, 2003 from www.generationsjournal.org/gen-24-2/intro.html.
Common indicators of abuse
- caregiver speaks for older adult
- changes in level of care
- isolation/confinement
- withdrawal from activity, communication, and participation
- denial/rationalization
- depression, fear, anxiety, or agitation
- mental confusion
- cheating or trickery to get possessions
- persuasion to get possessions
- stealing possessions in the form of money, personal items, cheques (for example, pensions, insurance)
- forcing a victim to grant a power of attorney
- stealing a credit card
- persuasion to invest in a fraudulent investment scheme
- home renovation fraud
- consignment sale fraud
- mortgage fraud
Indicators of financial/material abuse
- may be confused about own finances
- may have signed a document without being told of consequences
- lack of financial choices/decisions
- family members moving in without agreement and not shared costs
- unusual bank or ATM activity on behalf of older person
- discrepancy between income and standard of living
- possessions disappearing
- sudden or unexplained difficulty in paying bills
- refusal to spend money without agreement of caregiver
NOTE: Some of these indicators may be present and the older adult is not being abused.
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- making threats, for example, threat to commit suicide, verbal abuse by attacking self esteem, threat to commit violence to a pet or a child the victim is close to
- frightening a victim
- forms of mental cruelty, for example, intimidation, uttering threats, harassing telephone calls
Indicators of psychological/emotional abuse
- becoming passive, withdrawn, agitated, anxious
- depression
- unusual weight gain/loss
- unexplained paranoia
- reluctance to talk openly
- making inconsistent statements
- appears nervous around certain caregiver, family member, friend or neighbour
- waits for caregiver to respond to questions
- noticeable behavioural changes including avoiding eye contact
- low self-esteem
- difficulty sleeping or needing excessive sleep
- making excuses for social isolation
NOTE: Some of these indicators may be present and the older adult is not being abused.
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- the misuse of medications, prescriptions or mood altering substances on purpose or by accident
- over-medication
- not providing adequate or appropriate medication when needed or when prescribed
Indicators of medication abuse
- reduced mental or physical activity
- depression
- making inconsistent statements
- appearing confused
NOTE: Some of these indicators may be present and the older adult is not being abused.
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- assault, for example, pushing, punching, hitting, slapping, kicking, pulling hair
- aggravated assault
- causing physical injury such as bruising, cuts, burns
- making threats
- counselling suicide
- using or threatening to use a weapon
- sexual assault, for example, an assault committed in circumstances of a sexual nature
- forcibly confining someone
- murder
- manslaughter
- force feeding
- administering a noxious (dangerous) substance
Indicators of physical abuse
- unexplained injuries in various stages of healing
- medical attention sought from a variety of doctors or clinics
- history of accidents or injuries
- injuries have not received proper medical attention
- depression, fear
- repeated falls
- injury to scalp, evidence of hair pulling
- rope or belt marks
- delay in seeking treatment
NOTE: Some of these indicators may be present and the older adult is not being abused.
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- failing to provide necessities of life
- criminal negligence causing bodily harm
Indicators of neglect both active and passive
- malnutrition, dehydration, weight loss
- medical treatment for non-injury ailments being withheld
- lack of required appliances or mobility aids
- necessities of life not being met
- lack of safety precautions or supervision
- untidy appearance, inappropriate clothing
- missing dentures, glasses, or hearing aid
- poor hygiene
- unattended for long periods or tied to chair/bed
NOTE: Some of these indicators may be present and the older adult is not being abused.
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Updated: September 29, 2003
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