In the context of elder care, what type of abuse includes financial exploitation?

Elder abuse encompasses various forms of mistreatment directed at older individuals, and it prominently includes financial exploitation. This type of abuse occurs when someone's finances or assets are misappropriated or used without their consent, often by family members, caregivers, or other trusted individuals. In elder care, recognizing financial exploitation is crucial as it can have devastating effects on an elder's well-being and security, ultimately impacting their quality of life.

The specific domain of elder abuse highlights multiple forms, including but not limited to physical, emotional, sexual, and neglect. While neglect pertains to the failure to meet basic needs and emotional abuse involves causing psychological harm, neither directly addresses the financial aspect. Thus, elder abuse serves as the broadest categorization that includes the serious issue of financial exploitation among its many facets. Understanding this distinction helps care professionals recognize, prevent, and address the various types of abuse older adults may face.