see: [Dunn - Ageing](x-devonthink-item://92393F6C-B226-45A8-B405-8FF60C699DDD) and [Rosen - Geriatric abuse and neglect](x-devonthink-item://074741FB-BDEA-429E-8EF7-6E5C5F841A07) see also: [[Domestic violence]] **Definition:** actions or the omission of actions that result in harm or threatened harm to the health or welfare of the elderly. usually by someone responsible for assisting them or in their activities of daily living where there is an implication and/or expectation of trust **types of elder abuse** | type | definition / examples | | --------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | physical abuse | - causing pain and injury | | sexual abuse | - non-consensual or person cannot give consent, including photographs, rape, indecent exposure | | neglect | - deprivation of basic necessities, food, hygine, withholding walking aids, not going to medical follow up | | emotional / psychological abuse | - intentional inflicting anguish, pain, distress through verbal and non-verbal acts<br>- verbal intimidation<br>- threats of punishment<br>- forced isolation from family or friends<br>- manipulative behaviour lowering self-worth | | abandonment | - deserting an elderly person by person who has assumed responsibility | | financial / material exploitation | - illegal or improper use of an older adult's money, property, or assets | **Characteristics of victim** - usually widowed female > 75 years with limited income and at least one physical or mental impairment requiring care by others **characteristics of abuser** - often dependent on person they are abusing, particularly financially or for housing - usually a relative and lives with victim - 60% inflicted by the spouse - 45% abuse drugs or alcohol or have their own chronic medical or financial problems **causes** - transgenerational violence - psychopathy of the abuser - dependency - stressed caregiver - isolation ## Frailty “an aging related syndrome of physiological decline characterised by marked vulnerability to adverse health outcomes” my answer on monash: reduced physical and physiological reserve and increased propensity for injury and illness, vulnerabilities due to age and medical comorbidity