Document Type

Report

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This item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. In addition, no permission is required from the rights-holder(s) for educational uses. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

Publication Date

9-2006

Publisher location

Orono, Maine

Place of conference

Blaine House Conference on Aging

Abstract/ Summary

Elder abuse is one of the most disturbing and rapidly growing areas of crime in the United States, and it remains hidden in our communities. It is estimated that as many as five million individuals 65 years of age or older are abuse in the United States every year. Approximately 84 percent of all cases are never reported. Furthermore, Maine has one of the highest elderly suicide rate in the United States. Many times, the abuser is a family member or a caregiver, of whom the elderly individual is dependent upon. There exists fear, embarrassment, and blame in the elderly adult. Maine’s Adult Protective Services exists to protect these individuals who are unable to protect themselves, but the concept needs to receive more public awareness in order to improve this disclosure and protection rate. Options for this improvement include screenings, legalities, and education. These recommendations will assist in increasing disclosure and protection rates, and thus lowering the rates of elder abuse.

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pre-print (i.e. pre-refereeing)

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In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted.