What is Elder Abuse?

Elder abuse refers to any mistreatment of older adults, whether it's physical, emotional, or financial. This abuse often occurs at the hands of someone they trust, such as a family member, friend, or caregiver.

It can be unintentional or deliberate, with the harm ranging from poor care through to serious, deliberately inflicted injury, and it often occurs when there is an expectation of trust. This could be in a pre-existing relationship, or a new relationship, which may appear genuine at face value but has been established by the other person for their own self-interest.

Elder abuse is a complex issue, with older adults often more vulnerable to both physical and financial abuse because they are commonly dependent on others for their day-to-day care.

It is also often closely linked with financial abuse, which happens when the caregiver influences or manipulates the older person’s decision-making, or takes control of their bank accounts and assets without consent. Often the abuse involves using the person’s money, property or other assets illegally or improperly, coercing them to change their will, or getting them to sign documents that negatively affect their financial situation.