Exploitation, Neglect and Abuse of Elderly

Title 21 of the Oklahoma Statutes, § 843.1 states that it is unlawful to abuse, neglect or exploit an elderly person who is under your care. This includes:

• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Physical neglect
• Financial neglect
• Financial exploitation

A caretaker may be a home health nurse, nursing home employee, adult sitter, or even a family member. Regardless of your relationship to the victim, these crimes are taken very seriously in Oklahoma and are punishable under our state’s laws.

What Is Considered Financial Exploitation?

Statistically speaking, financial exploitation is the third most common crime committed against the elderly, with neglect being the first and physical abuse the second most common. Financial exploitation means:

• Deceiving or intimidating an elderly person to gain access to his or her money or property for your own benefit
• Obtaining or using or attempting to obtain or use an elderly person’s money or property while knowing that he or she is incapable of consent

Penalties for Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation

These crimes against the elderly are considered felonies. Potential punishments include:

• Up to 15 years in prison
• Fine of up to $10,000

Sexual abuse of the elderly may receive a sentence of up to 15 years in prison.