Every every man,

woman, and child

deserves to be treated
with respect and
with caring and to be
safe from harm by
those who come in
 What Is Elder
Abuse?
1.The infliction of physical,
emotional, or psychological
harm
2. Financial exploitation
3. Neglect of an older adult
by the caregiver
Abuse and neglect of
older adults can be a
single act or repeated
acts.

World Health Organization

Types of Elder
Abuse:

•Physical

•Sexual
•Emotional
•Financial

•Violation of
Rights

•Neglect
Who Are the Victims?

• Any older adult, in any

relationship, including one
where there is an
expectation of trust or
where a person is in
position of power or
authority
 Who Are the
Abusers?
•Abuse most often
occurs within the
family—by
spouse, children,
and/or
grandchildren.
 What Are the
Signs?

• They tell you they are being harmed

• Show signs of depression or anxiety
• Seem fearful around certain people
• Become socially withdrawn
• Become passive and very compliant
• Unexplained physical injuries
• Lack food, clothing, and other
necessities
• Changes in hygiene or nutrition
• Unable to meet financial
obligations, or large bank
withdrawals
Health Effects
•Stress
•Stress may trigger
chest pain or angina,
and may be a factor
in other serious heart
problems.
• May be mistaken as a
part of growing older or
may look like other
health conditions
• Older adults may
experience frequent falls
or have long-term pain
because they are being
abused or neglected.
 Did You Know?

• 44-62% of abused older adults

experience depression.
• They have increased risk of
becoming ill.
• 200% increased risk of early
death
 Financial Effects

•Negative impact on
older adult’s health
and well-being
•Fewer resources to take care of
their own health, housing, good
nutrition, and activities
 Social Effects
Generational issues :
Grandchildren
who witness such abuse
may come to view
negative behaviors
toward older adults
as acceptable and
perpetuate disrespect.
 Why Does Abuse
Happen
in Later Life?

• May reflect a lack of understanding

and knowledge about older adults
and aging.

• Some people may feel “entitled” to

an older adult’s property.
 Why Do They Keep
Silent?
In many cases, the person may
be afraid of:

• What will happen to them

• What will happen to the abuser
• What the neighbors, family, or
community will think
 How Can We
Prevent
Elder Abuse?
• Recognize that no
one--of any age--
should be subjected to
violent, abusive,
humiliating, or
neglectful behavior.
• Educate people about elder abuse.
• Increase availability of respite care.
• Promote increased social contact and
support for families with dependent
older adults.
• Encourage counseling and treatment to
cope with personal and family
problems.
“Honor thy father and thy mother
that thy days may be long upon
the land which the Lord thy God
giveth thee”
Exodus 20:12 (KJV).
 Prayer For The
Elderly
 Remember Your people, O Lord, especially
those to whom You have given the gift of
long life.  Reward them now for the good
they have accomplished in the past; forgive
them for their failings.  Make their last days
happy, and give them Your grace that they
may continue to grow through the challenges
of their later years. Bring them and all Your
children to everlasting life with You. 
Amen.
 Sources
• Canadian Network for the Prevention of
Elder Abuse, “Health and Abuse.”
• BC Health Files “Health Effects of Abuse
and Neglect of Older Adults.”
• http://www.gov.ns.ca/scs/pubs/elderabuse/
Fact-Sheet-4-Signs-and-Effects-En.pdf
• http://www.apa.org/pi/aging/eldabuse.html
• http://www.apa.org/pi/aging/eldabuse.html