Elder abuse is usually committed by people the victim knows and trusts.
Abuse often occurs behind closed doors and may involve financial exploitation, neglect, emotional harm, or physical mistreatment.
Elder abuse is far more common than many families realize, and the most common perpetrators of elder abuse are caregivers and trusted individuals in positions of authority.
Even family members, such as adult children or spouses, can take advantage of an elder's trust or access to finances, making vigilance essential for protection.
Elder abuse statistics highlighted by SeniorLiving.org indicate that one in ten adults over 60 who live at home face some form of abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation, and the percentage is even higher within nursing homes and residential care settings.
Even with numbers this significant, countless cases go unreported because victims feel ashamed or fear retaliation.
In many cases, they rely on the very person causing harm.
Knowledge strengthens protection.
Understanding who typically causes the harm is the first step toward stopping it.