What is Elder Abuse
Elder abuse impacts all communities in the United States affecting women and men 65 years of age and older of all ethnic backgrounds and social economic statuses. Elder abuse can be physical, emotional, and financial. It can also involve neglect. Elders are often unwilling, due to their fear of the abuser, dependence, or cognitive impairments, to tell others that they are being victimized. Dependent Adult Abuse/Neglect occurs when those persons ages 18-64 who have physical, mental, or emotional disabilities are abused or neglected. Often elder and dependent adults in the community fail to report the abuse, believing it is a “family issue” that should be handled within the family.
It is estimated that at least 3 million elders are abused annually in the US and 3 billion dollars are fraudulently taken from this group each year. The actual number of cases is estimated to be much higher as many seniors fail to report their victimization.
Technological advances such as the growth of the Internet and disposable phones has made it easier for abusers to prey on elders and dependent adults. Currently, there are many forms of abuse scams that include: door to door sales, free prize offers, foreclosure frauds, fake delivery schemes, grandparent scams, home repair scams and healthcare scams.
Unfortunately, elder/dependent abuse and neglect is expected to increase as our population ages and as life expectancy increases. Elder abuse is the becoming one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States. By 2050 it is estimated that the number of older adults in the world will exceed children for the first time in history, necessitating an even more urgent call to action.