Elder abuse may involve physical abuse, such as striking, pushing, shoving, shaking, slapping, kicking, pinching, burning, improper use of drugs and physical restraints, and force-feeding, sexual abuse, such as unwanted (including acts where the elder lacks mental competence to consent) touching, all types of sexual assault or battery, such as rape, sodomy, coerced nudity, and sexually explicit photographing, emotional or psychological abuse, such as threats or misrepresentations to elders, neglect such as a refusal or failure of an obligated individual or entity to fulfill duties owed to an elder, abandonment such as the desertion of an elderly person by an individual or entity who has assumed responsibility for providing care for an elder, and financial or material exploitation such as the illegal or improper use of an elder's funds, property, or assets.

Elder abuse may be domestic or institutional. Domestic elder abuse means the maltreatment of an older person by someone who has a special relationship with the elder such as a family member, friend or care provider that occurs in the elder’s or care provider’s home. Institutional abuse refers to abuse that occurs in residential facilities for older persons such as nursing homes, foster homes, group homes, and board and care facilities. Perpetrators of institutional abuse usually are persons who have a legal or contractual obligation to provide elder victims with care and protection such as paid caregivers, staff, and professionals.

Elder abuse laws vary from state to state, so it is important to talk to an attorney licensed in the state where the elder resides. Spiegel & Utrera, P.A. stands ready to help you represent your loved one and fight elder abuse.

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