Elder/dependent adult abuse is one of the most underreported crimes in the country, with approximately 1 in 20 elders being abused, as well as an unknown but larger number of dependent adults.
Elder/dependent adult abuse is a repetitive crime that often involves multiple types of ongoing abuse.
After controlling for age, comorbidity, and socioeconomic factors, abused elders are 3x more likely to die than nonabused seniors. - JAMA 1998;280:428
Neglect can wrongly be attributed to depression or dementia.
Once pressure ulcers appear, they are much more likely to recur in the same place with minimal trauma, and therefore become a chronic problem.
Elderly women may be too ashamed to report sexual abuse.
Some studies report over 50% of female dependent adults are sexually abused, often repeatedly.
Self neglect is one of the largest categories of abuse, and is reportable.
Screening the caregiver can help identify caregiver frustration and burnout, which can then be addressed to help prevent abuse.
