There are many forms of abuse. Common forms of abuse include: hitting, pushing, shaking, beating, yelling, verbal harassment, coercive behavior, intimidation and other acts that cause harm.

Elder abuse is any form of mistreatment that results in harm or loss to an older person. It is generally divided into the following categories:

Pushing, striking, slapping, kicking, pinching, restraining, shaking, beating, burning, hitting, shoving or other acts that can cause harm to an elder.

Verbal berating, harassment, intimidation, threats of punishment or deprivation, criticism, demeaning comments, coercive behavior or isolation from family and friends.

Improper use of an elder's funds, property, or assets; cashing checks without permission; forging signatures; forcing or deceiving an older person into signing a document; using an ATM/debit card without permission.

Sexual abuse is any form of non-consensual physical contact. It includes assault or battery, rape, sodomy, coerced nudity or sexually explicit photographing.

Neglect is the failure of a caregiver to fulfill his or her care giving responsibilities. Self-neglect is when individuals fail to provide themselves with whatever is necessary to prevent physical or emotional harm or pain.

Physical signs may include cuts, puncture wounds, burns, bruises, welts, dehydration or malnutrition, poor coloration, sunken eyes or cheeks, soiled clothing or bed, or lack of necessities such as food, water, or utilities.

Behavioral signs may include fear, anxiety, agitation, anger, isolation, withdrawal, depression, non-responsiveness, resignation, ambivalence, contradictory statements, implausible stories, hesitation to talk openly, confusion or disorientation.

Many of the indicators listed here can be explained by other causes (e.g. a bruise may be the result of an accidental fall) and no single indicator can be taken as conclusive proof. Rather, one should look for patterns or clusters of indicators that suggest a problem.

Physical Indicators

Behavioral Indicators

Indicators are signs or clues that abuse has occurred. Physical indicators may include somatic changes or decline, while behavioral indicators are ways victims and abusers act or interact. Some of the indicators listed below can be explained by other causes and no single indicator can be taken as conclusive proof. Rather, one should look for patterns or clusters of indicators that suggest a problem.

Physical Indicators

Behavioral Indicators

The perpetrator:

The elder:

Indicators are signs or clues that abuse has occurred. Some of the indicators listed below can be explained by other causes or factors and no single indicator can be taken as conclusive proof. Rather, one should look for patterns or clusters of indicators that suggest a problem.

Indicators are signs or clues that abuse has occurred. Physical indicators may include injuries or bruises, while behavioral indicators are ways victims and abusers act or interact with each other. Some of the indicators listed below can be explained by other causes (e.g. inappropriate or unusual behavior may signal dementia or drug interactions) and no single indicator can be taken as conclusive proof. Rather, one should look for patterns or clusters of indicators that suggest a problem.

Physical Indicators

Behavioral Indicators

Indicators are signs or clues that neglect has occurred. Indicators of neglect include the condition of the older person's home (environmental indicators), physical signs of poor care, and behavioral characteristics of the caregiver and/or older person. Some of the indicators listed below may not signal neglect but rather reflect lifestyle choices, lack of resources, or mental health problems, etc. One should look for patterns or clusters of indicators that suggest a problem.

Signs of Neglect Observed in the Home

Physical Indicators

Behavioral Indicators

Observed in the caregiver/abuser:

Observed in the victim:

The National Center on Elder Abuse states that elder abuse is a widespread problem; possibly affecting hundreds of thousands of elderly people across the country. It is estimated that 1.5 to 1.84 million Americans fall victim to elder abuse each year.

Florida has 3.98 million residents age 60 and older (U.S. Census, 2003). There were approximately 62,242 cases of alleged mistreatments against elders in Florida from 2003 to 2004.