Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Practice Exam

Which term best describes the unlawful mistreatment of elderly individuals?

1. Neglect

2. Abuse

3. Exploitation

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

The term that best describes the unlawful mistreatment of elderly individuals is indeed a composite that includes all three elements: neglect, abuse, and exploitation. Each of these terms refers to a different aspect of mistreatment, and they can often overlap. Neglect involves the failure to provide for an elderly person's basic needs, such as food, shelter, medical care, or personal hygiene. This can lead to significant harm or distress for the individual, making it a serious form of mistreatment. Abuse refers to any intentional act that causes physical, emotional, or psychological harm to an elderly person. This can encompass a wide range of behaviors, including physical violence, emotional manipulation, or sexual abuse. Exploitation involves taking advantage of an elderly individual, often for financial gain. This can include stealing money, coercing them into signing documents, or using their resources without their consent. Combining these definitions illustrates that the unlawful mistreatment of elderly individuals can occur through various means, and neglect, abuse, and exploitation all contribute to the broader issue of elder mistreatment. Therefore, recognizing that all these terms represent critical facets of the problem aligns perfectly with the concept of comprehensive elder mistreatment.