Legal Definitions - elder abuse

Elder abuse is mistreatment or harm inflicted on an elderly person by a caregiver. This can include physical, emotional, sexual, or financial abuse, as well as neglect or abandonment. Examples of elder abuse include withholding food or medication, hitting or beating, verbal insults, and isolating the elderly person from others.

It is important to recognize and report elder abuse to protect vulnerable individuals from harm. Elder abuse can have serious physical and emotional consequences, and can even lead to death in extreme cases.

For example, if a caregiver withholds medication from an elderly person, causing them to become seriously ill or even die, this would be considered elder abuse. Similarly, if a caregiver verbally insults or isolates an elderly person, causing them emotional distress, this would also be considered elder abuse.