Elder Abuse
1 in 6 people 60 years and older experienced some form of abuse in community settings during the past year.
Elder Abuse
Is a global public health issue
The abuse of older people, also known as elder abuse, is a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person. This type of violence constitutes a violation of human rights and includes physical, sexual, psychological and emotional abuse; financial and material abuse; abandonment; neglect; and serious loss of dignity and respect.
Rates of abuse of older people are high in institutions such as nursing homes and long-term care facilities, with 2 in 3 staff reporting that they have committed abuse in the past year. In addition, rates of abuse of older people have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Abuse of older people is predicted to increase as many countries are experiencing rapidly aging populations. The global population of people aged 60 years and older will more than double, from 900 million in 2015 to about 2 billion in 2050.
Abuse of older people can have serious physical and mental health, financial, and social consequences, including, for instance, physical injuries, premature mortality, depression, cognitive decline, financial devastation and placement in nursing homes. For older people, the consequences of abuse can be especially serious and recovery may take longer.
HOW TO MITIGATE AND PREVENT IT
Together, We Can
Make A Difference
Forensic nurses meet the critical healthcare needs of victims of violence through a patient-centered, trauma-informed approach. They play a vital role in reducing the health impacts of elder abuse.