Elder abuse

Elder abuse is a common and increasing worldwide phenomenon as populations live longer.

Many different forms of elder abuse exist, including neglect; physical, psychological, sexual, or financial abuse; and self-neglect.

The key to diagnosis is maintaining a high index of suspicion with every geriatric-patient encounter.

Certain patient and carer characteristics can help identify high risk for elder abuse.

Knowledge of local reporting procedures is advisable, as these may differ between countries and states.

Management requires a multi-disciplinary approach and includes immediate care, long-term assessment and care, education, and prevention.

There is increasing consensus on the key components that constitute elder abuse, and types of elder mistreatment. Presently, there is no globally accepted definition of elder abuse, which makes it difficult for researchers to study elder abuse, determine trends, and evaluate benefits of interventions.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): 'Elder abuse is an intentional act or failure to act that causes or creates a risk of harm to an older adult.' An older adult is someone ages 60 years or older.[1]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Elder abuse. June 2021 [internet publication]. https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/elderabuse/index.html

The World Health Organization states: 'Elder abuse is a single or repeated attack, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to the older person.'[2]World Health Organisation. Elder abuse. 2021 [internet publication] https://www.who.int/health-topics/elder-abuse#tab=tab_1 WHO: elder abuse factsheet Opens in new window

Elder abuse is often considered to be perpetrated by a caregiver or a person the elder trusts. The increasing use of technology in all spheres of life, which older adults can find harder to stay up to date with, coupled with families now being more geographically dispersed, has led to older adults being victimised by strangers through fraudulent schemes and fraudulent misrepresentations. Financial fraud is one of the fastest growing forms of elder abuse. Guardianship, meant to protect older adults unable to care for themselves has also been inappropriately used to victimise older adults with assets.