Any intentional or negligent act that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult. Abuse may be physical, emotional, sexual, exploitation, neglect, or abandonment. Up to five million older Americans are abused every year, and the annual loss by victims of financial abuse is estimated to be at least $36.5 billion, according to the National Council on Aging. Only a small fraction of cases are reported as shame and secrecy surround these experiences.
Deeper dive
Most at risk for elder abuse are older people who are socially isolated, in poor health and cognitively compromised, especially when a caregiver has a mental health or substance abuse problem. The consequences of abuse are severe, and older people are much more likely to enter a nursing home or die after undergoing this type of experience.
Laws regarding mandatory reporting of elder abuse vary by state. At the state level, adult protective services is responsible for dealing with cases of older adults who are abused, neglected and exploited. But funding for adult protective services and programs can’t keep pace with demand, according to the Administration for Community Living.
- Reporting resources
- National Center on Elder Abuse.
- National Commission for the Prevention of Elder Abuse.
- Elder Justice Coalition .
- International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse.
- Center of Excellence on Elder Abuse & Neglect, University of California, Irvine, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys .
- Elder Abuse Helplines: phone numbers in every state to call if someone suspects a case of elder abuse.