Generally Accepted Definitions

Elder abuse is an umbrella term referring to any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult.

• Physical abuse is inflicting, or threatening to inflict, physical pain or injury on a vulnerable elder, or depriving them of a basic need.

• Sexual abuse is the infliction of non-consensual sexual contact of any kind.

• Emotional or psychological abuse is the infliction of mental or emotional anguish or distress on an elder person through verbal or nonverbal acts.

• Financial or material exploitation is the illegal taking, misuse, or concealment of funds, property, or assets of a vulnerable elder.

• Neglect is the refusal or failure by those responsible to provide food, shelter, health care, or protection for a vulnerable elder.

• Self-neglect is characterized as the behavior of an elderly person that threatens his/her own health or safety.

• Abandonment - The desertion of a vulnerable elder by anyone who has assumed the responsibility for care or custody of that person.