What is the definition of elder abuse?
Elder abuse is an umbrella term that may include physical, sexual, or emotional abuse; financial exploitation; and neglect in providing necessary materials like food, shelter, or clothing to avoid physical harm or mental illness. The abuse might also involve withholding medicine or refusing to arrange transportation for doctor appointments. While damage inflicted by physical abuse may be obvious, frequently the abuse is emotional or psychological, resulting in humiliation, intimidation, and fear.[1] [1] Lynn Levey, “The Problem and Meaning of Elder Abuse,” Family Violence Forum 2, no. 1(Spring 2003).
