According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), approximately one in 10 Americans above the age of 60 experience some form of elder abuse, and some estimates claim as many as five million elders are abused each year. Since most cases of elder abuse and neglect are not reported, these numbers could be even higher.
Abuse and neglect amongst the elderly encompasses many situations and can take many forms. It may take place in an institutional setting such as nursing home abuse or in the home through a caregiver or family member.
This article will look at elder abuse in more detail, including argentina whatsapp number data the parties that bear legal responsibility for it, and will outline some of the key pieces of legislation that aim to protect elderly adults in America today.
What Is Elder Abuse?
The Administration for Community Living (ACL) defines elder abuse as “any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult”. While definitions and laws may vary from state to state, elder abuse generally includes the following:
Physical abuse: This is the inflicting of physical pain or injury on an elder through intentional force. Examples of physical abuse provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) include acts such as hitting, kicking, pushing, slapping, and burning.
Sexual abuse: This is any form of unwanted sexual contact. This includes non-consensual sexual contact as well as sexual harassment.
Neglect: This refers to the failure of a caregiver to fulfill their responsibilities in meeting an elderly person’s basic needs including food, shelter, water, hygiene, clothing, protection, and essential health care.