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.

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 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.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse of older persons is generally ignored because people don’t think of them as being sexually active.

It can range from fondling to sexual assault by partners or caregivers.

Financial abuse involves misusing an older person’s money or property. A person is abusing someone in this way when they:

• steal an older person’s money or possessions
• forge a signature on pension cheques or legal documents
• misuse the Power of Attorney
• force or trick an older adult into selling or giving away their property.

Neglect means refusing to meet the needs of an older adult who cannot meet those needs on their own. A caregiver is neglecting someone when they:

• deny someone their basic needs (food, water, medical treatment, nursing services, clothing and visitors)
• refuse to help them dress, bathe or go to the toilet.
• prevent someone from using important things they need like glasses, a cane, hearing aids or a wheelchair.

Neglect can also mean taking away a person’s right to make decisions about their own life and health. This can include taking away their right to refuse service or treatment.

Consumer Rights for LongTerm Care Services, Plain Language Version, ed. Catherine Frazee, OFCP, 1998

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This question was prepared for the Canadian Health Network by Education Wife Assault and the National Clearinghouse on Family Violence.
Created: April 1999