How Elder Neglect Differs from Abuse

Every year, 1 in 10 Americans aged 60+ experiences some form of Elder Abuse or Neglect, moreover, it is likely that the statistic is understated, as only 1 in 14 cases of Elder Abuse and Neglect is reported. And although this has been a not widely spoken subject for years, most people nowadays have heard mentions to Elder Abuse and Neglect, but they may not always comprehend the difference between the two.

Both can cause major damage and even death to an elderly person, yet they are distinctive in their definition and characteristics. Every senior citizen and anyone with a senior relative whose care needs require them to live in a Nursing Home or a Long-term Care Facility have to understand what Elder Abuse and Elder Neglect are and their differences so they can and how to identify them.

How Elder Neglect Differs from Abuse

What is Elder Abuse?

Elder Abuse is a knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk to a vulnerable older adult. There are many different forms of Elder Abuse including Physical, Emotional or Sexual Abuse, Financial Exploitation, Healthcare Abuse, and Neglect.

What is Elder Neglect?

Elder Neglect is a form of Elder Abuse and is generally considered to be the failure to fulfill caretaking obligations or the lack of receipt of proper care. This can be intentional or unintentional and includes abandonment or desertion of a senior by the person responsible for their care.

Every year, 1 in 10 Americans aged 60+ experiences some form of Elder Abuse or Neglect, moreover, it is likely that the statistic is understated, as only 1 in 14 cases of Elder Abuse and Neglect is reported. And although this has been a not widely spoken subject for years, most people nowadays have heard mentions to Elder Abuse and Neglect, but they may not always comprehend the difference between the two.

Both can cause major damage and even death to an elderly person, yet they are distinctive in their definition and characteristics. Every senior citizen and anyone with a senior relative whose care needs require them to live in a Nursing Home or a Long-term Care Facility have to understand what Elder Abuse and Elder Neglect are and their differences so they can and how to identify them.

What is Elder Abuse?

Elder Abuse is a knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk to a vulnerable older adult. There are many different forms of Elder Abuse including Physical, Emotional or Sexual Abuse, Financial Exploitation, Healthcare Abuse, and Neglect.

What is Elder Neglect?

Elder Neglect is a form of Elder Abuse and is generally considered to be the failure to fulfill caretaking obligations or the lack of receipt of proper care. This can be intentional or unintentional and includes abandonment or desertion of a senior by the person responsible for their care.

How Elder Neglect Differs from Abuse?

The World Health Organization indicates both Elder Abuse and Elder Neglect may implicate specific actions or the lack thereof. Neglectful or Abusive behaviors may be one-time events, or they may be repeated trends of behavior, and they can happen in Nursing Homes and other Assisted Care Living Facilities or at home.

What varies in is that Elder Neglect can be intentional or unintentional, making Negligence a little more difficult to prove legally speaking. One example of Elder Neglect is the failure to provide a person with the assistance they need to move around, which may force the person to attempt to move on their own and result injured.

Another form of Elder Neglect is the lack of attending to a person’s hygiene needs. Family members or friends should be conscious of their loved one’s appearance when visiting to ensure they are getting their teeth brushed, having showers or baths regularly, and being provided any assistance necessary for other personal care matters.

Working with an experienced Elder Abuse Attorney that understands the law, can navigate family dynamics, and knows the emotional challenges this situation entails will be your saving grace in an Elder Abuse or Neglect case. Contact us at 888-288-0091 or schedule a free consultation now.