Elder abuse refers to intentional or unintentional harm, exploitation, or neglect of an older person by himself or herself, trusted individuals, acquaintances, or strangers in a domestic or institutionalized setting. Such acts violate an elderly person’s fundamental rights to safety, privacy, and expression.
Abuse toward older people can occur in various forms. The most common types of elder maltreatment include physical abuse, neglect or abandonment,financial exploitation, sexual abuse and health care fraud and abuse.
Physical elder abuse involves the deliberate use of force against an older person, resulting in bodily pain, injury, or permanent impairment. While abusive behaviors such as pushing, jostling, or hitting may readily come to mind, less obvious acts of physical abuse include the misuse of medication, the excessive use of restraints, or inappropriate confinement.
Emotional or psychological abuse may be verbal or nonverbal, leading to experiences of emotional or psychological distress in abuse victims. Spoken or written threats, taunts, and constant criticisms are widespread forms of verbal abuse. Elderly people encounter nonverbal abuse when they are ignored, isolated from loved ones, or terrorized by menacing looks or gestures.
Neglect is the most common form of abuse against older individuals, accounting for more than half of all reported cases.
Finding a therapist at Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa, Fl & Brandon, Fl is an effective and practical route for helping older people who have experienced abuse. Therapists can assist vulnerable elderly persons to resolve tension, cope with trauma assess available resources, and make plans for safety.
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