What Is Elder Abuse? 

Elder abuse is an intentional act—or failure to act—that causes harm or creates risk of harm to a person age 60 or older in a relationship of trust. It is fundamentally a breach of trust. 

Forms of abuse include: 

• Physical, sexual, and emotional abuse 

• Abandonment 

• Self-neglect 

• Financial exploitation 

Financial Abuse: A Common and Costly Problem 

Financial exploitation is one of the most prevalent forms of elder abuse. Estimates suggest one in five Americans over age 65 has experienced financial exploitation, with annual losses estimated at $2.9 billion. 

Perpetrators are often family members, especially adult children. Unlike large, one-time scams, family exploitation frequently involves repeated small transactions, making it harder to detect. Abuse may include theft of assets, misuse of joint accounts, improper use of power of attorney, and fraud. 

Our University of Wyoming Extension bulletin, Abuse of Power of Attorney: Preventing and Addressing Elder Family Financial Exploitation, outlines prevention and response strategies. 

Risk Factors 

Elders at greater risk often experience: 

• Cognitive or physical impairment 

• Isolation or loneliness 

• Depression 

• Limited financial knowledge 

• Excessive or unfounded trust in others 

Perpetrators may demonstrate: 

• Financial instability 

• Addictive behaviors 

• Entitlement attitudes 

• Controlling or manipulative tendencies 

• Willingness to isolate the elder 

Families where exploitation occurs often avoid conflict, communicate poorly, and hesitate to seek outside help.