Abuse sometimes happens because the abuser can no longer handle the stress of looking after the older person. Usually, it happens because of psychological and personal problems. Abusers in institutions are likely to be frustrated staff members who are not able to do their job properly. Theft and assault can happen in institutions, but most abuse takes the form of neglect, poor care, and a lack of respect for residents. Most victims of elder abuse in the community are mentally competent and do not need constant care, but those who have mental or physical disabilities are especially vulnerable.
Abuse can happen to any older person, but the greatest physical harm is often done to women.
Some older people are the victims of assault by their husband or wife. Most abused older people are isolated from their friends, neighbours, and other family members. Often the abuser will not let anyone visit or talk to the victim. Victims of elder abuse may show signs of depression, fear, anxiety, or passivity, unexplained physical injuries, dehydration or lack of food, poor hygiene, urine sores, or bed sores, or over-sedation. There are other signs of possible elder abuse.