{"id":355742,"date":"2016-04-04T11:01:49","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:01:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/elder\/elder-abuse\/types-of-elder-abuse.html"},"modified":"2026-07-29T12:02:00","modified_gmt":"2026-07-29T17:02:00","slug":"types-of-elder-abuse","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/elder\/elder-abuse\/types-of-elder-abuse.html","title":{"rendered":"Types of Elder Abuse"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Types of Elder Abuse<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/melissa-bender-esq\/\">Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            July 29, 2026\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-key-takeaways fl-mb30\" data-testid=\"fl-key-takeaways\">\n    <div class=\"fl-card-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-card-body fl-card-bg-teal fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n                            <h2 class=\"fl-card-title fl-h2 fl-no-margin\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n                        <div data-testid=\"ai-message-body\">\n<div>\n<div id=\"kLgusi5fLfDnrUacqYdyb-content-0\">\n<p>Elder abuse is the mistreatment or exploitation of adults over 65, and it can involve physical harm, emotional manipulation, sexual misconduct, or financial exploitation. Neglect, whether by a caregiver or through an older adult\u2019s own inability to meet basic needs, is another common form of harm. Abuse can happen anywhere, and recognizing the signs early is key to protecting vulnerable older adults.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Elder abuse, or older adult abuse, is the mistreatment or exploitation of people over 65. It can take many forms, and perpetrators can range from family members to long-term care facility staff.<\/p>\n<p>Victims of elder abuse are often vulnerable adults. Elder abuse can range from physical harm to fraud or undue influence to extract financial gain. Decision-making incapacity and financial instability are common issues in many elder abuse cases.<\/p>\n<p>Elder abuse can occur in many places, including at home or an assisted living facility. This article explains the types of elder abuse, how to recognize warning signs, and how to get help.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<div data-testid=\"ai-message-body\">\n<div>\n<div id=\"jpZstyDWgNXAi4mcggx6S-content-0\">\n<p>If you suspect abandonment or abuse, report it immediately. Then, consider getting legal help. Protect your loved one and connect with an <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/elder-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">elder abuse attorney near<\/a> you who can guide you through reporting and next steps.<\/p>\n<hr \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Older Adult Physical Abuse<\/h2>\n<p>Physical abuse against someone over 65 is any use of physical force likely to result in physical injury, pain, or impairment. Typical forms of physical abuse include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Beating<\/li>\n<li>Pushing<\/li>\n<li>Shaking<\/li>\n<li>Kicking<\/li>\n<li>Slapping<\/li>\n<li>Burning<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Other examples of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/elder\/elder-abuse.html\">physical abuse applicable to elderly people<\/a> include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Force-feeding<\/li>\n<li>Excessive use of physical restraints<\/li>\n<li>Drugs and medications (if misused)<\/li>\n<li>Holding someone against their will (false arrest)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Older adults are often easily injured. This means physical abuse can result from seemingly minor acts of physical contact. For example, a tight grip on an older person&#8217;s arm could cause bruising. If a person does it with the intent to harm or control the person&#8217;s will, it is physical abuse.<\/p>\n<h2>Older Adult Emotional\/Psychological Abuse<\/h2>\n<p>Emotional or psychological abuse is an act that causes emotional pain, distress, or anguish. Emotional\/psychological abuse includes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Verbal assaults<\/li>\n<li>Intimidation<\/li>\n<li>Humiliation<\/li>\n<li>Threats<\/li>\n<li>Insults<\/li>\n<li>Harassment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This type of elder abuse is usually verbal, but not always. For example, isolating an older person from their family and friends is a non-verbal form of emotional abuse. Emotional\/psychological abuse is a byproduct of physical abuse, such as when an older person fears their abuser.<\/p>\n<p>If your loved one is exhibiting sudden changes in behavior and personality, this may be a sign that someone is abusing them.\u00a0<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>An attorney can enforce legal protections to stop the abuse you suspect your loved one is facing. Take action now. <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/elder-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find legal help near you<\/a>.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Older Adult Sexual Abuse<\/h2>\n<p>Any non-consensual sexual contact with an elderly person is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/sexual-assault-overview.html\">sexual abuse<\/a>. Sexual contact with an older person with a disability who is incapable of giving consent is sexual abuse.<\/p>\n<p>Sexual abuse includes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Unwanted touching<\/li>\n<li>Sexually explicit photographing<\/li>\n<li>Forced nudity<\/li>\n<li>All types of sexual assault and battery (such as rape and molestation)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Older Adult Neglect<\/h2>\n<p>Neglect generally refers to a caregiver&#8217;s failure to fulfill their duty to provide the care an elderly person needs. This applies to people, health providers, nursing homes, and other care facilities.<\/p>\n<p>Neglect is active or passive. Active neglect means the caregiver intentionally withholds care. Passive neglect is when caregivers cannot fulfill their responsibilities for any reason. Reasons can include excessive stress or a lack of resources.<\/p>\n<p>Neglect is failing to provide a dependent older person with life necessities. Life necessities are food, clean water, shelter, personal hygiene, clean clothing, and basic medical care. Signs of neglect include untreated bedsores, dehydration, and malnutrition.<\/p>\n<h2>Older Adult Self-Neglect<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/elder\/elder-abuse\/elder-self-neglect.html\">Self-neglect<\/a> is the only category of elderly abuse without a perpetrator. Self-neglect typically occurs when an older person threatens their health or safety. For example, if an older person fails to provide adequate hygiene, food, or water, they neglect themselves.<\/p>\n<p>The person is a mentally competent older adult who fails to meet their basic needs. Self-neglect, which does not involve other parties, is a form of abuse. You need to refer such situations to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/elder\/elder-abuse\/adult-protective-services-what-you-need-to-know.html\">Adult Protective Services<\/a> (APS).<\/p>\n<h2>Older Adult Financial Exploitation or Material Exploitation<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/elder\/elder-abuse\/elder-financial-abuse-and-exploitation.html\">Financial abuse<\/a> covers a broad spectrum of fraud, scams, outright theft, and other methods of extracting financial or material gain from vulnerable older adults. Common examples of financial abuse include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Cashing checks without authorization<\/li>\n<li>Forging signatures<\/li>\n<li>Accessing an older person&#8217;s bank account or using their credit cards without permission.<\/li>\n<li>Stealing or misusing money or possessions<\/li>\n<li>Coercing or deceiving an older person into signing a document<\/li>\n<li>Improperly using a guardianship, conservatorship, or power of attorney<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Often the perpetrator of financial older adult abuse is an unscrupulous telemarketer, confidence (or &#8220;con&#8221;) artist, or any person who <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/elder\/elder-care-law\/crimes-against-the-elderly-email-scams-and-telemarketing-fraud.html\">preys on the weaknesses of older adults<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>For example, older persons are more likely to own their homes outright. Scammers may try to trick them into signing over the deed to their home in exchange for a future payoff that never comes.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>One way to help prevent your loved one from financial abuse is by having the proper legal documents in place. With FindLaw, you can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/forms\/power-of-attorney-form.html\">create a DIY power of attorney document<\/a>\u00a0and a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/forms\/living-trust-form.html\">living trust<\/a> if one doesn&#8217;t already exist for your loved one. For more support, contact an <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/estate-planning\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">estate planning attorney<\/a> near you.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Older Adult Abandonment<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/elder\/elder-abuse\/elder-abandonment.html\">Older adult abandonment<\/a> occurs when a caregiver intentionally deserts an older person who depends on them for basic care or supervision. Unlike neglect, which may involve inconsistent or inadequate care, abandonment is a complete loss of support. This leaves the older adult without food, medication management, or a safe living environment.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Abandonment can happen at home or in long\u2011term care facilities. In some situations, older adults are left at a hospital or nursing home without arranging ongoing care, or in a public location such as a mall or parking lot.<\/p>\n<p>Visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/ncea.acl.gov\/Resources\/Elder-Rights-(1).aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Center on Elder Abuse<\/a> (NCEA) to learn more about elder rights and find helpful resources.<\/p>\n<h2>Stop Elder Abuse: Get Legal Help<\/h2>\n<p>Reporting elder abuse is often overwhelming. It&#8217;s difficult to know where to start if you suspect your older loved one is being hurt. If you suspect abuse, contact Adult Protective Services (APS), law enforcement, or a local <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/elder\/elder-care-law\/what-is-the-long-term-care-ombudsman-program.html\">long-term care ombudsperson program<\/a> immediately. You can also start by getting legal advice from an elder abuse attorney specializing in <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/elder-law\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">your state&#8217;s abuse laws<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>To find an attorney in your area that specializes in elder law and older adult abuse, see <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/elder-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FindLaw&#8217;s attorney directory.<\/a> Start by entering your city or ZIP code for a list of qualified legal professionals near you. Your search results will also show important details about prospective attorneys, like ratings and whether they offer free case evaluations.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M6 21H3C2.46957 21 1.96086 20.7893 1.58579 20.4142C1.21071 20.0391 1 19.5304 1 19V12C1 11.4696 1.21071 10.9609 1.58579 10.5858C1.96086 10.2107 2.46957 10 3 10H6M13 8V4C13 3.20435 12.6839 2.44129 12.1213 1.87868C11.5587 1.31607 10.7956 1 10 1L6 10V21H17.28C17.7623 21.0055 18.2304 20.8364 18.5979 20.524C18.9654 20.2116 19.2077 19.7769 19.28 19.3L20.66 10.3C20.7035 10.0134 20.6842 9.72068 20.6033 9.44225C20.5225 9.16382 20.3821 8.90629 20.1919 8.68751C20.0016 8.46873 19.7661 8.29393 19.5016 8.17522C19.2371 8.0565 18.9499 7.99672 18.66 8H13Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\n                              stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3418\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"No\"\n                value=\"no\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">No<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-down\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3423)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M16 0.999995H18.67C19.236 0.989986 19.7859 1.18813 20.2154 1.55681C20.645 1.9255 20.9242 2.43905 21 3V10C20.9242 10.5609 20.645 11.0745 20.2154 11.4432C19.7859 11.8119 19.236 12.01 18.67 12H16M9.00003 14V18C9.00003 18.7956 9.3161 19.5587 9.87871 20.1213C10.4413 20.6839 11.2044 21 12 21L16 12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\"><div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Complex abuse situations usually require a lawyer\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    A lawyer will enforce legal protections to stop abuse or neglect\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <span data-sheets-root=\"1\">A lawyer is helpful when navigating long\u2011term care planning or Medicaid eligibility<\/span>\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Get tailored advice and ask your legal questions. Many attorneys offer free consultations.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\">\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/nursing-home-abuse\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum:FL2201\" title=\"Attorney Directory for Elderly Abuse\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">If you need an attorney, find one right now<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745902396\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1.png?_i=AA\"\n                alt=\"\"\n                loading=\"lazy\"\n            \/>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-content fl-flex fl-flex-wrap\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-text fl-mb25\">\n            <h4 class=\"fl-no-margin\">Enter your email address to subscribe<\/h4>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <form class=\"email-subscription-content-form\">\n            <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"distributionList\" value=\"latl\" \/>\n            <label for=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" class=\"fl-text-sm-bold\">Email (Required)<\/label>\n            <div class=\"email-subscription-content-form-group\">\n                <input id=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" name=\"email\" autocomplete=\"email\"\/>\n                <button type=\"submit\" aria-label=\"Submit\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-success subscribe-success-message fl-text-sm-bold\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"status\">Thank you for subscribing!<\/p>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-error subscribe-error-message fl-text-sm-bold\" role=\"alert\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/p>\n\n            <div id=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha\" class=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha subscribe-recaptcha\"\n                data-sitekey=\"0x4AAAAAACCzz9CV0ZsvAbzx\"><\/div>\n        <\/form>\n\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-footer fl-text-sm\">\n            <p><a href=\"https:\/\/newsletters.findlaw.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more about FindLaw\u2019s newsletters<\/a>, including our terms of use and privacy policy.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div><section\n        class=\"fl-google-preferred-card fl-flex fl-flex-column fl-items-center fl-gap10 fl-text-center fl-mt30 fl-mb30\"\n        data-testid=\"google-preferred-card\"\n>\n    <h2\n            class=\"fl-google-preferred-card-title fl-no-margin\"\n            data-testid=\"google-preferred-card-title\"\n    >\n        Did FindLaw Help You Understand This Legal Issue?\n    <\/h2>\n    <p\n            class=\"fl-google-preferred-card-paragraph fl-text-sm fl-no-margin\"\n            data-testid=\"google-preferred-card-paragraph\"\n    >\n        Make It a Preferred Google Search Source\n    <\/p>\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"fl-button fl-link-button secondary fl-google-preferred-card-button google-pref-link fl-mt20\" aria-disabled=\"false\" data-testid=\"google-preferred-card-link\" aria-label=\"Google Preferred\">\n    <span\n            class=\"fl-button-start-icon fl-flex fl-items-center\"\n            data-testid=\"google-preferred-card-icon\"\n    >\n      <svg\n              width=\"18\"\n              height=\"18\"\n              viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\"\n              fill=\"none\"\n              xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\n              aria-hidden=\"true\"\n      >\n        <path\n                d=\"M17.64 9.2c0-.637-.057-1.251-.164-1.84H9v3.481h4.844c-.209 1.125-.843 2.078-1.796 2.716v2.259h2.908c1.702-1.567 2.684-3.875 2.684-6.615z\"\n                fill=\"#4285F4\"\n        ><\/path>\n        <path\n                d=\"M9 18c2.43 0 4.467-.806 5.956-2.184l-2.908-2.259c-.806.54-1.837.86-3.048.86-2.344 0-4.328-1.584-5.036-3.711H.957v2.332A8.997 8.997 0 0 0 9 18z\"\n                fill=\"#34A853\"\n        ><\/path>\n        <path\n                d=\"M3.964 10.706A5.41 5.41 0 0 1 3.682 9c0-.593.102-1.17.282-1.706V4.962H.957A8.996 8.996 0 0 0 0 9c0 1.452.348 2.827.957 4.038l3.007-2.332z\"\n                fill=\"#FBBC05\"\n        ><\/path>\n        <path\n                d=\"M9 3.58c1.321 0 2.508.454 3.44 1.345l2.582-2.58C13.463.891 11.426 0 9 0A8.997 8.997 0 0 0 .957 4.962L3.964 7.294C4.672 5.163 6.656 3.58 9 3.58z\"\n                fill=\"#EA4335\"\n        ><\/path>\n      <\/svg>\n    <\/span>\n        <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Add to Google<\/span>\n    <\/a>\n<\/section>\n\n<div class=\"general-list\">\n    <h3>Helpful Links<\/h3>\n    <ul class=\"fl-list fl-no-margin\">\n                                    <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/healthcare\/medicare-medicaid.html\">\n                        Medicare and Medicaid Law\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/elder\/what-is-elder-law\/what-are-advance-directives.html\">\n                        What Are Advance Directives?\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/elder\/elder-abuse.html\">\n                        Older Adult Abuse\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"popularDirectory\">\n        <div class=\"general-popular-directory \">\n            <div class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Attorney Directory<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/elder-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Elder Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/health-health-care-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Healthcare Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/nursing-home-abuse\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/trusts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Trust Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/wills\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Last Will &#038; Testament Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/estate-planning\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Estate Planning Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/probate-estate-administration\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Probate Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Older adult abuse is the abuse or exploitation of those over 65. FindLaw outlines different types and examples. Find how to report abuse and get legal help.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":355731,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":["SEO Title Length","External Links","Category Assigned","Alt Text for All Images"]},"categories":[2738],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-355742","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-elder"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/355742","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=355742"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/355742\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":408634,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/355742\/revisions\/408634"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/355731"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=355742"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=355742"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=355742"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=355742"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=355742"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}