In every community across this country vulnerable older adults are being abused, neglected, and exploited. Yet in many instances their plight is ignored or minimized. Society tends to view older persons as burdens rather than as valued individuals who are entitled to be treated with dignity and respect.
Many incidents of abuse go unreported because older persons are embarrassed, ashamed, or fearful of losing the help they need from family members or caregivers to remain in their homes. As the number of older adults in our population increases, the incidence of elder abuse will almost certainly increase. We can take action to address this issue.
