Definitions of Elderly Abuse
 Elder abuse can occur in other forms than just physical abuse or neglect. Different forms of elder abuse
 are  sometimes harder to recognize because physical evidence is not present.

 Elder Abuse- Any act, failure to act, or incitement to act done willfully, knowingly, or recklessly through  words or physical action which causes or could cause mental or physical injury or harm or death to an elderly  resident. This includes verbal, sexual, mental/psychological, or physical abuse, including corporal punishment,  involuntary seclusion, or any other actions within this definition.

 Involuntary seclusion- Separation of a nursing home resident from others against the resident's will or the  will of the resident's legal representative. A temporary separation from other nursing home residents that is  monitored is not classified as involuntary seclusion.

 Mental/psychological elderly abuse- Mistreatment that does not result in physical harm. Mental or  psychological elderly abuse can include humiliation, harassment, and threats of punishment, deprivation, or  intimidation.

 Physical elderly abuse- Physical elderly abuse can include, but is not limited to, hitting, slapping, pinching,
and  kicking of an elderly resident, as well as controlling behavior through corporal punishment.

 Sexual elderly abuse- Any touching or exposure of the anus, breast, or any part of the genitals of an elderly  resident without the voluntary, informed consent of the resident. Sexual abuse carries the intent to arouse or  gratify the sexual desire of any person and includes, but is not limited to, sexual harassment, sexual coercion,  or sexual assault.

 Verbal elderly abuse- Use of any oral, written, or gestured language that includes disparaging or derogatory  terms to an elderly resident or within the resident's hearing distance, regardless of the resident's age, ability to  comprehend, or disability.

Source: http://www.elder-abuse-foundation.com/html/definitions.html