ELDER MALTREATMENT

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), elder physical abuse is a form of elder maltreatment. Elder maltreatment is any form of neglect or abuse which occurs to people that are 60 years of age or older. Elder physical abuse may come from a caregiver, an acquaintance, a nurse, doctor, family member, or any other person the elderly patient has contact with. However, according to the U.S. National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (NCPEA), elder physical abuse perpetrators are most likely to be unmarried, unemployed, and to live with the elderly patient. Types of Elder Physical Abuse Forms of elderly physical abuse may include, but are not limited to, the following: – Scratches – Bites – Burns – Being pushed, hit, shoved, or slapped – Threats or assault with a weapon, including guns, knives, and other objects – Inappropriate use of restraint