Elder Abuse:
What Is Elder Abuse?
The law defines elder abuse as "physical abuse, neglect, financial abuse,
abandonment, isolation, abduction or other treatment with resulting in
physical harm or pain or mental suffering, or the deprivation by a care
custodian of goods or services that are necessary to avoid physical harm
or mental suffering." (Welfare & Institutions Code, Section 15610.07
and in Penal Code 368) "Elders" are defined as persons 65 years
of age or older.
Physical Abuse: Assault, battery, sexual assault, battery or
rape, prolonged or continual deprivation of food or water, or use of physical
or chemical restraints for punishment, convenience or without or beyond
the scope of the doctor's order. (Refer to key
indicators of physical abuse.)
Neglect: The failure to exercise that degree of care that a reasonable
person in a care providing capacity would exercise such as failure to
assist in personal hygiene, provision of food, clothing or shelter, provision
of medical care, or to protect from health and safety hazards or to prevent
malnutrition or dehydration.
Note: This includes self-neglect; one of the most common forms
of abuse occurring in community settings. (Refer to key
indicators of neglect.)
Financial Abuse: The illegal or unauthorized taking or using
of an elder's funds, property or assets by an individual or entity. (Note:
Because of its increasing prevalence, refer to the section on Elder
Financial Abuse.)
Mental Suffering: Fear, agitation, confusion, severe depression
or other forms of emotional distress that is brought about by threats,
harassment, or other forms of intimidating behavior. (Refer to common
behavioral indicators of abuse.)
Isolation: The intentional preventing or restraining an elder
from receiving mail, telephone calls or visitors. (Refer to common
behavioral indicators of abuse.)
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