Most families take care of their elderly members without resorting to abuse or neglect. Even though abusers act badly, they are not necessarily bad people. Many times they are people who need, and often want, help. With assistance they may learn new, non-harmful ways to care for older family members. Although elder abuse usually occurs in a family setting, older persons may be abused by health care or social service providers.
Elder abuse can occur in all racial and ethnic groups, and among families in all income levels.
There are an estimated 500,000 to 3 million older Americans who are victims of abuse. Many cases go unreported. In 1992, Alabama had 8,850 reported cases of adult abuse which included many older victims. Any older person may be a victim of abuse. They are often over 75.