What are the three major types of elder abuse?

The three major types of elder abuse are indeed best categorized as neglect, abuse, and exploitation. Neglect refers to the failure to provide necessary care, assistance, or attention to an elder, leading to potential harm or distress. Abuse encompasses a range of harmful behaviors, including physical, emotional, or psychological harm inflicted upon the elder. Exploitation involves the illegal or improper use of an elder’s funds, property, or resources, often for the benefit of another person.

This classification captures the broad spectrum of issues that can affect older adults, highlighting not only direct harm but also circumstances where their needs are neglected or their assets improperly leveraged. Recognizing these categories is essential for identifying, preventing, and responding to elder abuse, providing a framework that law enforcement and social services can use in their interventions.

Other options may touch upon aspects related to elder abuse but do not comprehensively cover the primary types recognized in professional contexts. For example, while options might mention psychological or emotional factors, they do not fully encapsulate the main forms of abuse under the prevailing definitions used in elder care and protection laws.