Table 1. Statistics on elder abuse
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Estimated that 2 to 5 million U.S. citizens age 60+ have been abused
1 in 10 over age 60 have experienced some form of abuse
1 in 14 cases over age 60 of elder abuse are reported
10% of older Americans every year are abused
70% of females are 2.4 times more victimized than males
50% of abuse cases exhibit a form of dementia
90% of abusers are family members, mainly adult children or spouses
1 in 25 financial abuse cases are actually reported
2.9 billion dollars is lost financially through senior exploitation
7% of complaints filed with an Ombudsman involved long-term care facilities
Less than 5% of victims reported the abuse to police
300% higher risk of death exists to an abused person compared to one not abused
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2015); National Conference of State Legislatures (2017); National Council on Aging
(n.d.); Nursing Home Abuse Center (2018); Office for Victims of Crime (2017)
Awareness and Prevention
The initial step for a suspected elderly abused indi-
vidual should be to speak to that individual alone to
obtain information. Strategies may need to be em-
ployed to create separation from a potential abuser
who may wish to remain with the victim. Physical
symptoms should be treated as needed.
The next step is to report potential abuse whether it
is suspected in a home environment or in a health-
care facility. A tipster may remain anonymous with
full legal protection which encourages the reporting
of suspected abuse. Notification to the local Area
Agency on Aging: Older Adults Protective Services
is imperative. In the event of an emergent situation,
9-1-1 should be dialed. The Area Agency on Aging
is responsible for investigating any report within 72
hours and is based on priority. If action is warranted,
the agency will refer the case to police and state
agencies.
Mandatory reporting is required of healthcare pro-
fessionals if abuse is suspected (Pennsylvania De-
partment of Aging, 2019). If the individual arrives
at a healthcare provider’s office or facility, or lives
within a facility, there may be protocols to follow
with reporting the incident in addition to contacting
the Area Agency on Aging. If the situation is serious,
police will be notified. If the suspected abuse occurs
in a long-term care facility, the Ombudsman may be
involved.
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Awareness and reporting of a potential abuse case
leads to an investigation. The proper authorities will
verify the information to assess if the elder is in need
of protective services. The Agency on Aging develops
a service plan that reflects the least restrictive alter-
natives for removing or reducing imminent risk to
person or property. If necessary, a multidisciplinary
response may lead to victim removal from the abu-
sive situation, and civil or criminal prosecution may
be necessary to finalize the situation (United States
Department of Justice, 2019). Counseling services
and/or support groups may be needed for the victim.
See Table 2.
Conclusion
Globally, elder abuse injustice is increasing. The
United Nations (2019) designated June 15 each
year as the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day to
acknowledge and combat senior abuse. In Pennsyl-
vania, the Governor’s office partnered with banking
institutions, the Pennsylvania State Police, Office of
the Attorney General, Pennsylvania Supreme Court
Advisory Council on Elder Justice, and the Depart-
ment of Aging to fight elder abuse injustice (Com-
monwealth of Pennsylvania, 2017). Other organiza-
tions attempt to raise funds to increase awareness,
provide educational support, and focus on preven-
tion. Nurses can play a crucial role in advocating
for this vulnerable population through increasing