What constitutes abuse nowadays?

What constitutes psychological elder abuse?

• Answer:

  Elder abuse is the mistreatment of an elderly person that causes injury to that person. According to the National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, approximately 551,000 elderly people experienced some form of abuse in 1996 in the United States.Psychological Elder AbusePsychological abuse occurs when an elderly person is intentionally subjected to mental and/or emotional suffering as a result of repeated taunts, threats, humiliations or bullying. This can occur verbally or non-verbally.CausesElderly people who live in isolation are easy targets for perpetrators of abuse. Caregivers, relatives or acquaintances may take advantage of an elderly person who lacks emotional or social resources to speak up for himself, resulting in an abusive situation.Substance AbuseAccording to the National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, substance abuse is a frequent factor in all types of elder abuse. Substance abuse can occur with either the victim or perpetrator of the psychological abuse.Signs of Psychological AbusePhysical and mental signs of abuse include difficulty sleeping, significant weight change, depression, confusion and fearfulness around the abuser. It is important to evaluate each change in an elderly person as these may also be signs of other health-related problems.What to DoIf you suspect that someone you know is being abused, report this to Adult Protective Services in your community. Most states have laws that will shield you from any negative repercussions.Source:http://www.preventelderabuse.org/elderabuse/index.htmlhttp://www.preventelderabuse.org/elderabuse/psychological.htmlhttp://www.preventelderabuse.org/elderabuse/help/help1.htmlhttp://www.preventelderabuse.org/elderabuse/issues/substance.htmlMore Information:http://www.preventelderabuse.org/