All older adults who are unable to care for themselves are potential victims of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. However, research shows that some older adults are more likely to be abused than others. Abuse is defined as the infliction upon an older adult, by self or others, of injury, unreasonable confinement, intimidation, or cruel punishment, with resulting physical harm, pain or mental anguish. This can be intentional or unintentional. Exploitation is the theft or misuse of money, assets or other valuables.
Most elder abuse takes place within a family caretaking setting.
Most abusers are related to the elders they abuse. Research shows that most families and other caregivers treat older adults with love and respect. However, research also shows that more than 1 million older adults are neglected or abused physically, emotionally or financially by their relatives or loved ones. Older adult abuse is chronic and generally is not confined to an isolated incident. Like other forms of family violence, mistreatment of elders usually continues once it has begun.