Which of the following is an example of financial abuse?

• A. Financial abuse
• B. Malpractice
• C. Verbal abuse
• D. Sexual abuse

Answer: (A)

Focusing on the types of abuse helps you spot what each one means in practice. Financial abuse is when someone in a position of trust uses an elder’s money or property for themselves. This isn't about harm with words, actions, or sexual acts—the harm is financial. Examples include stealing cash or valuables, forging signatures on checks or documents, cashing or transferring funds without permission, racking up debts, or coercing the elder to sign financial papers or change beneficiaries.

Malpractice is about professional negligence by a caregiver or provider, not about money. Verbal abuse uses words to threaten, insult, or demean. Sexual abuse involves unwanted sexual contact. So the scenario that demonstrates financial abuse is the misuse of the elder’s funds or possessions.