Elder abuse fact sheet

Elder abuse can be:

• physical
• psychological/emotional
• sexual
• financial

A person who abuses an older person usually has some sort of control or influence over him/her. Family members, friends, staff in residential facilities or anyone the older person relies on for basic needs, may be abusers.

Neglect is a common form of mistreatment of older people. It happens when another person fails to meet the physical and emotional needs of an older person.

Passive neglect is the result of a carer’s inadequate knowledge, illness or lack of
trust in support services.

Active neglect is when a carer intentionally deprives an older person of care.