Elder Abuse is defined as: “Single or repeated acts, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within a relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person.” (World Health Organization, 2002).
The abuser may be a family member, friend, neighbour, or someone providing personal care or professional care giving services.
Factors increasing risk of elder abuse:
Isolation: becoming disconnected from family, friends and the community
Lack of mobility: staying in house or room, not venturing out, not exercising
Dependency: having to rely on others for physical help or to do daily chores (banking, shopping)