Guide to Recognizing Elder Abuse and Knowing Your Rights

Experts report that knowledge about elder abuse lags as much as two decades behind the fields of child abuse and domestic violence. Limited past research means limited data to guide practitioners, policymakers, and trainers. What we do know now is alarming: elders who experience a form of abuse, even modest abuse, have a reported 300% higher risk of death. Even verbal abuse has been linked to seniors’ physical health issues and well-being. With resource constraints in a constantly aging population, a once-hidden problem will be impossible to overlook. But as more studies come to light – and as state Adult Protective Services data show an uptick in the reporting of incidents – elder abuse has emerged as an important social public health issue.

VOC Journalist Loushe Jordaan Gilbert spoke to Mrs Terri Casper, social worker supervisor at Age-in-Action. Take a listen.