Unfortunately, the prevalence of elder abuse in American society has increased as the elderly population has grown. An estimated 2 million elderly citizens are affected by elder abuse yearly. While the legal definition of elder abuse varies from state to state, the United States House Select Committee on Aging has defined elder abuse as the physical, sexual, psychological, or financial abuse of the elderly, or otherwise causing the deprivation of their human rights by their relatives or caretakers. Reporting Abuse Elder abuse may occur within the family home or in institutional settings. Most states have enacted mandatory reporting laws requiring physicians and other health care workers, caregivers, professionals, as well as individuals who know of or suspect abuse, to report elder abuse to social service or law enforcement agencies.
Many states grant some level of legal immunity for reporting elder abuse.
In addition, all states have enacted adult protective service law providing preventive, supportive, and surrogate services to help the elderly maintain independent living skills and avoid abuse and exploitation. The federal Nursing Home Care Act establishes national standards of care applicable to nursing homes and specifies the rights of nursing home residents. Private litigation may be an available course of action for the victim of elder abuse based on negligence, breach of contract, or violation of state laws. The Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory is the most complete, trusted source for identifying qualified legal counsel. Your access to and use of this website is subject to additional terms and conditions .