What is abuse of the elderly?

May 25, 2023
ComPsych Guidance Resources
A young woman sitting next to an older man, who is holding a ball in his hand

Abuse of the elderly is as unthinkable and as horrifying as the abuse of children, and by some accounts, this phenomenon seems to be growing just as quickly. According to some studies, each year almost  5 million adults over the age of 60 are the victims of abuse or neglect. About two-thirds of these cases involve abuse by a younger person who depends on the victim for support.

There are laws in most states designed to protect the elderly from abuse. States have enacted mandatory reporting laws that require health-care workers and other professionals to report suspected cases of abuse. Most states have laws that provide for fines and prison sentences for those convicted of neglecting an elderly person who is in their care. In many states, an older person can obtain a court order of protection that prohibits the abuser from having any physical contact with the elderly person.

Abuse does not have to involve physical beatings. Illegal abuse can include using restraints to keep an older person confined or emotional abuse, such as name calling, making threats or isolating an elderly person from friends and family.

For more information about the rights of the elderly, you may want to contact your county law library or your state's department on aging. You can also obtain a referral to lawyers in your area who specialize in issues affecting the elderly by contacting the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. Their website is at www. naela.org.

Additionally, there are some programs providing free or low-cost legal services to the elderly that have been established and funded through the federal law known as the Older Americans Act. These services are often provided through your community's legal-aid society, which can provide more specific information.

Written by Joseph W. Mierzwa. ©2006-2023 ProSe Associates, Inc. All rights reserved. ©2023 ComPsych ® Corporation. All rights reserved. This information is for educational purposes only. It is always important to consult with the appropriate professional on financial, medical, legal, behavioral or other issues. As you read this information, it is your responsibility to make sure that the facts and ideas apply to your situation.