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Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is Elder Abuse?Elder abuse is a term that refers to both intentional and negligent acts that cause harm, or a serious risk of harm, to an elder, or any dependent adult with mental or physical limitations. (California Statute legal definition to come) Are there different types of elder abuse?Yes. Elder abuse comes in many forms, some more obvious than others. Physical abuse includes physical force that may result in bodily injury or physical pain. Physical abuse includes acts such as striking, hitting, beating, pushing, shoving, shaking, slapping, kicking, pinching, and burning. Inappropriate use of drugs and physical restraints, force-feeding, and physical punishment are also examples. Sexual abuse is sexual contact of any kind without permission, as well as sexual contact with any person incapable of giving consent. Emotional or Psychological abuse means causing mental pain by threatening, intimidating, humiliating, harassing, or isolating an older person or dependent adult. Neglect is the failure to provide care to a frail or impaired person by not providing life necessities such as food, water, clothing, shelter, personal hygiene, medicine, comfort, or personal safety. If a caregiver has assumed financial responsibilities, refusal to pay for these necessities can be considered abuse. Financial abuse is the illegal or improper use of an elder's or dependent adult’s money, property, or assets. Examples include cashing a person’s checks without permission, forging a signature, misusing or stealing money or possessions, coercing or deceiving a person into signing any document (e.g., contracts or will), and the improper use of legal documents. Abandonment of an elder or dependent adult in a situation that could harm them is abuse. Abduction and removal from California of any elder or dependent adult who does not have the capacity to consent, as can be removal of a conservatee without the consent of the conservator or the court, can be abuse. Isolation can be abuse when someone violates the personal rights of an elder or dependent adult. Abuse by isolation can take the form of false imprisonment and restraint, preventing delivery of mail, telephone calls, or visiting from family, friends, and service providers. Domestic violence in late life is violence between spouses, intimate partners, or couples who are dating. This can be physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, and can occur in both heterosexual and homosexual couples. Self-neglect is when an elder or dependent adult is unable or unwilling to provide for his or her own health or safety. For example, refusal or failure to provide self with adequate food, water, clothing, shelter, personal hygiene, medication, or safety precautions. How do I report elder abuse?Anyone who knows or suspects that an elder or dependent adult is being neglected or abused (physically, financially or psychologically), should report this abuse to Adult Protective Services (APS): If the situation is an emergency, calls should be made to 911. Are there any other Elder Abuse resources?
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