FEATURES Abuse can happen to anyone — no matter the person’s age, sex, race, religion, or ethnic or cultural background. Each year, hundreds of thousands of adults over the age of 60 are abused, neglected, or financially exploited. This is called elder abuse. Abuse can happen in many places, including the older person’s home, family members’ houses, assisted living facilities, or nursing homes. The mistreatment of older adults can be by family members, strangers, health care providers, caregivers, or friends. Types of Abuse There are many types of abuse: • Physical abuse happens when someone causes bodily harm by hitting, pushing, or slapping. This may also include restraining an older adult against their will, such as locking them in a room or tying them to furniture. Elder Abuse • Emotional abuse, sometimes called psychological abuse, can include a caregiver saying hurtful words, yelling, threatening, or repeatedly ignoring the older adult. Keeping that person from seeing close friends and relatives is another form of emotional abuse. • Neglect occurs when the caregiver does not try to respond to the older adult›s needs. This may include physical, emotional, and social needs or withholding food, medications, or access to health care. • Abandonment is leaving an older adult who needs help alone without planning for their care. • Sexual abuse involves a caregiver forcing an older adult to watch or be part of sexual acts. • Financial abuse happens when money or belongings are stolen from an older adult. It can include forging checks, taking someone else›s retirement or Social Security benefits, or using a person›s credit cards and bank accounts without their permission. It also includes changing names on a will, bank account, life insurance policy, or title to a house without permission. Who Is Being Abused? Most victims of abuse are women, but some are men. Likely targets are older adults who have no family 18 Montana Funeral Directors Association
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