Elder abuse is defined as a single or repeated act or lack of appropriate action occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress
to an older person.  Elder abuse happens more frequently than most of us might think.  An estiamted 2.1 million older Americans are victims of elder abuse.

Types of Elder Abuse:
1. Physical.
2. Psychological.
3. Financial.

Warning Signs:
1. Bruises, pressure marks, broken bones, abrasions, and burns.
2. Unexplained withdrawal from normal activities, a sudden change in alertness, and unusual depression.
3. Sudden changes in financial situations.
4. Bedsores, poor hygiene, unattended medical needs, and unusual weight loss.
5. Strained or tense relationships, frequent arguments between the caregiver and elderly person.
6. Elders also neglect their own care.  This includes: hoarding, not taking medication, leaving stove on, not wearing suitable clothing, dehydration, not attending to housekeeping.

Who are the Abusers:
1. Family and spouses.
2. 90% of cases are by known perpetrators.
3. 42% of murder victims aged over 60 are killed by their offspring.
4. Those 80 years and older are abused 2 to 3 times more than younger seniors.

For every 1 case that gets reported, there are 5 that go unreported.  Elderly people being abused are afraid, embarrassed, and sometimes unable to say what’s happening.