Forms of Elder Abuse

There are a number of different forms of elder abuse. Some of the common forms of elder abuse are outlined below.

Physically: This type of elder abuse is usually going to be more prevalent than the other kinds of elder abuse. This is any action that causes the elder physical pain or distress. This includes slapping the elder, pushing him or her, or any other similar type of action.

Psychologically: This type of elder abuse is perhaps the most difficult to detect because it is possible for the elder to be abused for years psychologically and not show any outward signs of the abuse. This includes purposely waking an elder up repeatedly for no reason or purposely telling him or her lies in order to make him or her do incorrect things.

Emotionally: This type of elder abuse is very similar to psychological abuse, but it is easier to detect because the elder will show outward signs of it relatively quickly. Emotional elder abuse includes any action that makes the elder feel negative emotions in a very strong and intense manner. This includes telling him or her lies about his or her close friends and family or yelling at him or her with the sole purpose of getting him or her to break down and cry.

Sexually: Any kind of sexual harassment towards an elder constitutes sexual elder abuse.

Dealing with Elder Abuse

If you are currently suffering from elder abuse or know someone who is then it is very important that you take action right away in order to get the situation resolved. Your first goal in this endeavor should be to make it stop. It is quite possible that the elder abuse might be inadvertent in nature and because of that it is also quite possible that people that are perpetrating elder abuse might have no idea that they are actually doing it. Have a conversation with the person responsible for the abuse and make them aware of the problems at hand.

However in most cases, the person is aware that he or she is abusing an elder. Your next step is to go see a lawyer. Explain the situation to the lawyer and get his or her advice on what you should do next. The abuser should be held accountable for his or her actions and prevented from abusing another elder in the same manner.