Elder Abuse - The Hidden Crime http://www.mpshu.on.ca/SeniorsIssues/elder.htm
             The definition of elderly abuse is the mistreatment of the elderly that is inflicted by someone else as opposed to self-neglect which is often a result of mental deterioration or other disabilities. It may consist of passive neglect, psychological abuse, financial abuse, active neglect or physical abuse.
             Life expectancy has increased since the turn of the century. And for many aging adults, retirement is looked forward to as a time to slow down and enjoy their family, community and friends. But for some older adults, especially those dependent on other people for their care and well-being, their years of contentment may turn to years of abuse.
             It has been estimated that in one in every 25 people over the age of 65 is the victim of elder abuse. This abuse, committed by someone who is in a position of trust or who has power over the victim, can take several forms. Abuse includes: physical, emotional, financial and neglect.
             Neglect can be anything from the withholding of food, water or proper clothing, to not replacing an older person's broken eyeglasses. Financial abuse is the misuse of the victim's money or the abuse of a Power of Attorney. Physical harm may come to an older person if his or her caregiver physically abuses him or her by hitting, punching or kicking. And many elderly are emotionally abused by being isolated from friends and family or by being intimidated or threatened by their caregiver.
             Some elderly also suffer from unintentional neglect due to a lack of understanding of their needs. For example, a caregiver may not provide a safe environment if they fail to realize that scatter rugs and poor lighting on stairs can be a hazard to elderly people. Or the caregiver may not know the nutritional requirements of the person in their care and may not provide him or her with the proper food.
             What is emotional or psychological abuse of elde...