Elder abuse: How to spot warning signs, get help, and report mistreatment
November 2022
American Psychological Association
“Every person, no matter how old, deserves to be safe from harm by those who live with them, care for them, or have daily contact with them. Yet, approximately one in 10 people aged 60 and older who live at home experience abuse, including mistreatment and exploitation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some evidence even indicates that the prevalence of abuse of older people in both the community and in institutions has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over time, elder abuse can harm an individual’s physical and psychological health, destroy social and family ties, and cause devastating financial loss. Research also suggests that older people who have been abused tend to die earlier than those who have not been abused, even in the absence of chronic conditions or life-threatening disease.”
This article discusses what elder abuse looks like, who is affected, what are the signs, where to go for help, and ideas for prevention.