Knowra Elder abuse Elder abuse Elder abuse is harm or neglect of an older adult by someone in a relationship of trust or responsibility. It can be physical, psychological, sexual, or financial, or arise from neglect.
Physical abuse : Intentional use of force that causes bodily injury, pain, or impairment. It is one form of elder abuse and may leave visible injuries.
Caregiver stress : Physical and emotional strain experienced by people providing ongoing care. Stress can increase risk, but it does not excuse abuse or make it inevitable.
Elder abuse prevention : Policies and practices intended to reduce the risk of mistreatment of older adults. Prevention can strengthen social support, caregiver resources, and safeguards around money and care.
Trauma : A psychological and physiological response to events experienced as threatening or overwhelming. Mistreatment can cause lasting fear, distress, and changes in a survivor’s sense of safety.
Domestic violence : Abuse or coercive control between people in an intimate or family relationship. It can overlap with elder abuse, but elder abuse also includes harm by caregivers and other trusted people.
Psychological abuse : Conduct that causes emotional distress, such as threats, humiliation, isolation, or intimidation. It can harm older adults without leaving physical evidence.
Social isolation : A lack of regular social contact or meaningful relationships. Isolation can reduce outside oversight and make it harder to disclose mistreatment.
Elder abuse intervention : Actions to protect an older adult and address suspected or confirmed mistreatment. Interventions may combine safety planning, health care, social services, and legal measures.
Post-traumatic stress disorder : A mental disorder that can develop after exposure to traumatic events. Some survivors develop persistent symptoms after abuse, though responses differ.
Self-neglect : A person’s failure to meet their own essential needs, creating risk to health or safety. It concerns an older adult’s own actions or circumstances, not necessarily harm by another person.
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