Dulaney, Lauer & Thomas Blog

Types of elder abuse at nursing homes and assisted living facilities

Elder abuse is a term that describes any intentional or negligent act by a caregiver, facility staff member, or other person that causes harm or risk of harm to a vulnerable adult.  There are a variety of different kinds of elder abuse and neglect which are summarized below:

·        Physical Abuse – Causing physical pain or injury to a vulnerable elder or threatening to inflict pain or injury.  Physcal abuse can also mean depriving a resident of a basic need.

·        Neglect – the failure to provide food, shelter, health care or protection for a vulnerable elder.  Neglect can be a conscious or act or can be the result of poor care or training.

·        Sexual Abuse - Non-consensual sexual contact of any kind with a vulnerable adult

·        Emotional Abuse – when mental pain, anguish, or distress is inflicted on a vulnerable adult.  Emotional abuse is caused by either verbal or non-verbal acts.

·        Financial Exploitation – Taking, using or concealing funds, property, or assets of a vulnerable elder without permission.

·        Abandonment – when a vulnerable elderly person is deserted by the person responsible for their care or custody (i.e. leaving the person in a public place).

Read more about the signs of elder abuse and neglect in our law library article “Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect”.

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