What Are the Different Types of Elder Abuse?

According to the National Center for Elder Abuse, there are seven different types of elder abuse:

1. Physical abuse – use of physical force to cause bodily injury, pain, or impairment
2. Sexual abuse – nonconsensual sexual contact of any kind
3. Emotional abuse – infliction of anguish, pain, or distress
4. Financial/material exploitation – illegal or improper usage of an elderly person’s funds or assets
5. Neglect – refusal or failure to fulfill any part of a person’s obligations or duties to an elderly person
6. Abandonment – desertion of an elderly person by an individual who is responsible for him or her
7. Self-neglect – behaviors of an elderly person that threaten his or her health or safety

Current research indicates that anywhere from one to two million Americans who are over the age of 65 have been abused or neglected by a person whom they trust for care and protection. More victims of elder abuse are female than male, and more perpetrators of elder abuse are male than female. The most common elder abuse situation involves an adult child who abuses or neglects his or her parent. As a result, elder abuse most often occurs at home. Family stressors, such as financial or psychological issues, often contribute to elder abuse. Furthermore, children who were exposed to family violence are more likely to grow up to become perpetrators of violence.

Unfortunately, there are countless situations that can lead to abuse or neglect by caregivers. If you or a loved one is seriously injured as a result of elder abuse, or your family has suffered the loss of a loved one due to negligence by nursing home or assisted living facility staff, you may be entitled to compensation. This inquiry involves determining which party or entity was at fault for the accident, acted negligently, or otherwise caused the incident that led to your injuries or your loved one’s death. At Boller & Vaughan, our Madison assisted living facility and nursing home elder abuse lawyers can help you with these determinations, and support you through any personal injury or wrongful death claims that you may have. Contact us to learn how we can help.