Elder abuse generally includes the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of persons age 65 or older. Abuse includes involuntary seclusion, intimidation, humiliation, harassment, threats of punishment, deprivation, hitting, slapping, pinching, kicking, any type of corporal punishment, sexual assault, sexual coercion, sexual harassment, verbal abuse, or any oral, written, or gestured language that includes disparaging or derogatory terms, regardless of the elderly person's ability to hear or comprehend.

Neglect means the failure of a caretaker to provide the goods or services—including medical services—that are necessary to avoid physical or emotional harm or pain. Neglect may cause starvation, dehydration, over- or under-medication, unsanitary living conditions, or lack of personal hygiene. Neglected adults may also not have heat, running water, electricity, or medical care.

Exploitation includes a caretaker's illegal use of a senior's resources for monetary or personal benefit, profit, or gain. Elderly persons may need help with their finances, but unless they hand control over to another person, they have the same rights as anyone else to receive, spend, invest, save, or give away their money. A family member, "friend," or nursing home may not take control of an elderly person's money without that person's permission. Exploitation also means misusing the resources of an elderly or disabled person for personal or monetary benefit. This includes taking Social Security or SSI (Supplemental Security Income) checks, misusing a joint checking account, or taking property and other resources.

Most states have an Adult Protective Services (or comparable) agency or department that investigates reports of elder abuse and assists with preventing and stopping elder abuse—including abuse in nursing facilities and assisted living facilities. Elder abuse may be prosecuted as a criminal offense under applicable state law (assault, battery, sexual assault, theft, identity theft, etc.). And some states have specific statutes that provide increased penalties for the abuse or exploitation of elderly persons.

In Iowa, elder abuse is addressed under several statutes that protect individuals aged 65 or older from various forms of mistreatment. Iowa Code Chapter 235B, the 'Dependent Adult Abuse Services' code, defines elder abuse and outlines the responsibilities of the Department of Human Services (DHS) in investigating reports of abuse. Abuse can include physical, sexual, emotional harm, or exploitation, as well as neglect by a caretaker. Neglect refers to the failure to provide necessary care, leading to harm or pain, and can result in inadequate living conditions or medical care. Exploitation involves the illegal or improper use of an elder's resources for personal gain. In Iowa, financial exploitation of the elderly is a criminal offense and can include actions such as misusing funds or coercing an elder to alter financial documents. The state's Adult Protective Services is responsible for investigating and responding to reports of elder abuse. Criminal charges for elder abuse can range from assault and theft to more severe charges depending on the nature of the abuse, with the possibility of enhanced penalties for crimes against the elderly. Victims of elder abuse or those who suspect abuse can report it to the Iowa DHS for investigation and intervention.