The three general types of abuse and neglect are physical, psychologic, and financial. All can be intentional or unintentional.
Physical abuse and neglect: This type of mistreatment includes striking, shoving, shaking, beating, restraining, or feeding improperly. Sexual assault requires special emphasis, because many health care providers find this form of violence inconceivable when an older person is involved. Sexual assault refers to any form of sexual intimacy without consent or by force or threat of force.
Psychologic abuse and neglect: This type of mistreatment causes emotional stress or injury to an older person. Examples include verbal abuse—threatening remarks, insults, or harsh commands—and remaining silent or ignoring the person. Another form of psychologic abuse is infantilism (a form of ageism), whereby the elderly person is treated as a child, which both patronizes and encourages the person to passively accept a dependent role.
Financial abuse and neglect: This type of mistreatment is defined as the misuse or exploitation of or inattention to an older person’s possessions or funds. Abusive behavior includes conning, pressuring the victim to distribute assets, or irresponsibly managing the victim’s money.
