Elder Abuse Prevention

Every year an estimated 2.1 million older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect or exploitation. And for every case of elder abuse or neglect that’s reported, as many as 5 cases go unreported (Administration on Aging).

What is Elder Abuse?

Elder abuse is an umbrella term referring to any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult.

• Physical abuse involves inflicting physical discomfort, pain, or injury.
• Sexual abuse is the infliction of non-consensual sexual contact of any kind.
• Substance abuse is an overuse of drugs and or alcohol.
• Emotional or psychological abuse diminishes the identity, dignity, and self-worth of the older person.
• Financial exploitation is the illegal misuse or concealment of funds, property, or assets of a vulnerable elder.
• Self-neglect is the behavior of an elderly person that threatens his or her own health or safety.

And who are the abusers?

     According to an elder abuse study done by the Michigan government in 2006, in 90 percent of the cases, the abuser is a family member, and in two-thirds of the cases, an adult child or spouse.