Abuse and Neglect of Family Members

Abstract

The phenomenon of elder abuse has existed throughout history but continues as a largely hidden and little‐understood problem that occurs in both community and facility settings. Elder abuse has been recognized as a failure of the family structure, an inadequacy of caregiving institutions, and a medical problem, social work concern, public health dilemma, criminal justice conundrum, and public policy issue. More older women than older men experience abuse and neglect, which is most often perpetrated by family members with whom the elder has a trust relationship. Elder abuse and neglect of family members can have a profound impact on the overall health and quality of life of its victims.