There are four common types of elder abuse. Physical abuse is pain or injury inflicted intentionally by a caregiver. It may include slapping, beating, physical restraint, or sexual assault. Psychological or emotional abuse is mental suffering inflicted intentionally by a caregiver. It may include humiliation, intimidation, threats, and destruction of belongings.
Financial abuse is improper or illegal use of the resources of an older person without consent.
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.