Child Protective Services was created to protect children under the age of 18 from abuse or neglect. Adult Protective Services was created to protect adults over the age of 65 from abuse and neglect. This does not mean that older adults are helpless or more like children. However, certain older adults may be more dependent on others and are therefore more vulnerable to abuse or neglect.
Elder neglect is the term that describes an older adult who is suffering from being ignored.
He or she may not be getting enough food, water, or medical care. He or she may not be getting personal needs cared for, such as being bathed or being taken to the toilet. He or she may not be getting dressed appropriately for the weather or may not have good housing. Elder abuse is the term that is used when an adult is being hurt. Abuse can be physical, sexual, or emotional.