This person could be a spouse, sibling, child, friend, or other caregiver. Institutional abuse refers to mistreatment of a resident in a facility for older persons. This includes nursing homes, foster homes, group homes, or board and care facilities where staff is paid to provide care. Self-neglect occurs when the behavior of an older person living alone threatens his or her own health or safety. 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.