11 Facts on Elder Abuse

1. There are many forms of elder abuse, such as physical, emotional, sexual, financial, neglect and abandonment.
2. Although 5 million cases of elder abuse occur each year, an astonishing 85 percent go unreported.
3. 1 in 9 Americans over the age of 60 have experienced some kind of elder abuse.
4. Warning signs of elderly abuse include bruises, broken bones, burns, cuts, depression, poor hygiene, weight loss, and arguments between caregivers or family members.
5. 14,000 elder abuse cases occur in nursing homes.
6. In two-thirds of cases, the abusers are family members, usually the victim’s children or spouse.
7. In many instances, the abuser is financially dependent on the elder or has drug or alcohol problems.
8. 50 percent of elders who suffer from dementia experience some form of abuse.
9. Legislatures in all 50 states have passed some type of elder abuse law.
10. While 91 percent of federal abuse prevention dollars are spent towards child abuse and 7 percent against domestic abuse, only 2 percent goes towards protecting the elderly.
11. By the year 2030, abuse of elderly Americans over the age of 85 are expected to double.

Sources:

Elder Justice Now

Administration on Aging

Help Guide

National Center on Elder Abuse