Elder abuse is the mistreatment or neglect of elderly persons, usually by a relative or other caregiver. It is a crime which knows no social or economic boundaries.

 

Elder abuse is very serious. nobody wants to believe that adult children or other caregivers abuse elderly people, but it happens with alarming frequency. It is also very often hidden -- it goes largely unreported, simply because many victims are ashamed or unable to report the abuse, or fear

        reprisals if they do speak up.

 

We must educate ourselves to the problems and stresses that lead to abusive behavior. Taking care of our elders will touch most of us at some point in our lives, and many of us will be the elders provided for in the future. Elder abuse is not only a crime against others, it is a crime against ourselves.