The World Health Organization (WHO) defines the abuse of older people as:
a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person. Elder abuse can take various forms such as financial, physical, psychological and sexual. It can also be the result of intentional or unintentional neglect.
There are a number of recognised forms of abuse, which include financial, emotional, physical, sexual and neglect. This may be occurring in the person’s home, when they are staying with family members, or in a residential aged care facility (RACF). The perpetrators may be sons or daughters, other family members, paid carers, other residents in the RACF, and potentially anyone with whom they have contact.
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