Elder abuse

Question 1

What is elder abuse?

Answer 1

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

Question 2

How many people in the UK are subject to elder abuse each year?

Answer 2

Over 500,000

Question 3

Which demographics of elders are most at risk of abuse?

Answer 3

Women over age of 70

Question 4

What is the Human Rights Act (1998)?

Answer 4

All persons have the right to live their lives free from violence and abuse

Question 5

What are the types of abuse (5)?

Answer 5

1. Emotional
2. Physical
3. Financial
4. Sexual
5. Neglect

Question 6

How can financial abuse present (4)?

Answer 6

1. Spends the older person’s money on themselves when they’re shopping for them
2. Refuses to let an older person decide what to spend their money on
3. Telling an older person they should give them money, making them feel like a burden
4. Moves into the older person’s home uninvited, or pressurises the person to sign their property over to them or change their will

Question 7

What is emotional abuse?

Answer 7

Treating someone in a way that makes them feel threatened, belittled or embarrassed

Question 8

How can you recognise abuse (12)?

Answer 8

1. Bruising
2. Hidden bruising
3. Unkempt appearance
4. Malnourished
5. Low mood/low self-esteem
6. Behaviour and mood changes
7. Strained relationships
8. Withdrawal from social activity
9. Over emphasis of normality
10. Struggling financially
11. Being spoken to harshly
12. Appearing fearful or nervous around individuals

Question 9

What are your responsibilities regarding elder abuse?

Answer 9

1. If you have heard or seen something that
   makes you concerned about the welfare of
   an elderly person you must take action
2. Never agree to keep things secret
3. Alert your line manager or senior of your
   concerns
4. Clearly document what you have seen
   and/or heard