Elder Abuse

Course overview

Older adults can become dependent on others for transportation, medical care, ADLs and financial things such as paying bills and shopping. Older adults can also have impaired cognition, physical disabilities and other issues that limit their ability to care for themselves. This can make older adults vulnerable to scams, theft, abuse and more. From financial abuse where older adults money is taken or used for the profit or others, to neglect where they are not cared for medically or physically safely, to physical or even sexual abuse, older adults can be mistreated. Since they can be limited in their ability to communicate with others, it is important for healthcare professionals to be aware of the forms of elder abuse, the typical signs and symptoms that an help identify each and the resources to help with dealing with each type of abuse when it is discovered.