Abuse of elderly persons includes any act or omission which jeopardizes or results in harm to the health or welfare of an older individual. It is part of an ongoing pattern of power and control by someone with whom there is a trusting relationship. This type of abuse occurs in all socio-economic, religious, geographic and cultural backgrounds.

Those who abusers may be spouses, adult children, professionals or friends. They may be dependent on the victim through alcoholism, drug dependency, psychological problems and/or unemployment. Sometimes, abuse can be the end result of the caregiver being stressed-out.

Warning – As with other forms of abuse, the pressure on the victim escalates when she/he seeks to make change through disclosure or attempts to get help.

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