According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, elder abuse can be classified into three categories. This can be classified as abuse, neglect, or likelihood of serious physical harm. Although all of these classifications seem quite similar, there are some subtle differences. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services defines abuse as “the infliction of physical, sexual, or emotional harm or harm, including financial exploitation, by any person, business, or corporation” (“ Protective Services For Adults,” nd, para. . Elder neglect is “the failure to provide services to an eligible adult by any person, business or corporation having a legal or contractual duty to do so, when such failure presents either an imminent danger to health, safety or the well-being of the customer. or a substantial likelihood that death or serious physical harm would result” (“Protective Services For Adults,” nd, para. 4). Abuse, neglect, and the likelihood of serious physical harm must all be reported by law. (“Adult Protective Services,” nd). According to sections 660.250 to 660.295 of the RSMo, adults who are over the age of 60 and unable to protect themselves or who are unable to adequately perform or seek a service to help them meet their essential human needs are eligible candidates. to adult protective services (“Protective Services For Adults,” nd). Other eligible applicants for adult protective services include adults ages 18 to 59 with disabilities that render them unable to protect themselves or adequately perform or seek a service to help them meet their basic human needs (“ Adult Protective Services,” nd). 660.250-660.295, RSMo states that if there is even the slightest suspicion of abuse, neglect or likelihood of serious... middle of paper ......findings," nd, para. 6) Person Abuse Elderly is a very sad problem Understanding what the term elder abuse encompasses, who is at risk, what the warning signs are, the laws in place to protect older adults, who is mandated to report abuse. and how to report abuse, it is possible to understand the reality It is important to minimize crime As with anything, the most important way to prevent something from happening is to educate, and abuse. older adults is no different if caregivers were made aware of the many resources available, such as support groups and counseling, elder abuse could eventually decrease exponentially Works Cited Adult Protective Services (nd). . Retrieved from http://health.mo.gov/living/lpha/phnursing/protectiveservices.php Touhy, T. A., & Jett, K. (2012). ). Towards healthy aging: human needs and nursing response (8th ed..)..