It may include the sale of a home or belongings. Neglect is failing to provide reasonable care. A person may be denied food or health care, for example, or abandoned. A study by the National Center for Elder Abuse found at least half a million elders suffered domestic abuse in 1996. The study noted that for each incident reported, another 5 went unreported.
Elder abuse takes many forms.
It may leave visible injuries, such as cuts and bruises, or emotional scars. Signs and symptoms of mistreatment vary with different types of abuse. A combination of psychological, social, and economic factors contribute to elder abuse. Caring for older, frail people can be time consuming and very stressful. The stress is greater when the elderly person is mentally or physically impaired.