Types of Elder Abuse - presentation by Kristin Hetzer

Seniors face an increased vulnerability to various forms of abuse by people known or unknown to them. This susceptibility is often exploited by individuals with ill intentions who engage in abuse or elaborate fraud schemes targeting the elderly.

1. Types of Elder Abuse

2. Seniors face an increased vulnerability to various forms of abuse by
people known or unknown to them. This susceptibility is often
exploited by individuals with ill intentions who engage in abuse or
elaborate fraud schemes targeting the elderly.

3. Elder abuse manifests in several common
ways, each presenting unique challenges.
Physical abuse involves any non-accidental
use of force resulting in pain, injury, or
impairment for seniors.

4. Emotional or psychological abuse occurs when elderly individuals
are treated or spoken to in ways that lead to emotional distress. This
can encompass verbal forms such as intimidation, humiliation, or
ridicule, as well as nonverbal tactics like isolation or terrorizing.
Sexual abuse involves any sexual contact without the senior’s
consent, extending to activities like exposing them to explicit
material or forcing them to undress against their will.

5. Neglect or abandonment by caregivers
constitutes a significant portion of reported
elder abuse cases, either intentional or
unintentional, often stemming from ignorance
or denial of a senior’s care needs. Financial
exploitation involves the unauthorized use of a
senior’s funds or property, carried out by
caregivers or external scam artists.
Unscrupulous caregivers may misuse personal
checks, credit cards, or engage in identity
theft. Finally, healthcare fraud and abuse are
perpetrated by unethical medical
professionals, encompassing practices like
overcharging, kickbacks, and recommending
fraudulent remedies, posing additional threats
to the well-being of seniors.

6. If a person knows or suspects that an elder has
been or is being subjected to abuse or fraud,
they should contact local law enforcement or
www.dvrcv.org.au/elder-abuse-hotline.