The PDF which includes endnotes and footnotes in which this article appears can be found in Bifocal Vol. 45 Issue5.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is celebrated each year on June 15th, providing an opportunity for communities around the world to raise awareness on the important issue of abuse, neglect, and exploitation among older persons.
According to the National Center for Elder Abuse (NCEA), in the United States, 1 in 10 community-dwelling adults will experience abuse. Globally, the World Health Organization further estimates that around 1 in 6 people, ages 60 years and older, experienced some form of abuse in community settings during the past year. However, it is estimated that for every reported case of abuse against older adults, there are 24 undetected cases.
Because of the prevalence of elder abuse, it is important for attorneys and practitioners in the field of aging to learn about physical, financial, and emotional signs of elder abuse, which can include any of the following:
- Unexplained or untreated physical injuries,
- Malnutrition, dehydration, or unusual weight loss,
- Displaying fear, anxiety or hypervigilance,
- Isolation from family or friends,
- Unpaid bills,
- Sudden changes or unexplained withdrawals from banks or financial accounts, or
- Sudden changes to wills, powers of attorney, or financial documents.