Elder Abuse: Protecting Our Seniors

According to the National Council on Aging, up to 5 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 dollars. Elder abuse occurs in bothcommunity and institutional setting. Elder abuse is often difficult to recognize as, signs of abuse are not always physical and often older Americans are embarrassed to reportabuse or fear retaliation. As clinicians, it is important weunderstand the warning signs of elder abuse and know how to both stop and prevent abuse on the older adult population.

Highlights

• Review what constitutes elder abuse and the various types of elder abuse
• Federal laws and legislation addressing elder abuse
• Red flags of elder abuse, reporting, and strategies for prevention