Passive Neglect Passive neglect, the most common and clearly understood type of elder maltreatment, results when the caretaker of a frail and dependent older person is incapable of meeting that person's needs. As a result, the older person may fail to receive proper hygiene, medication, supervision, nutrition, and other important personal care. Often such behavior is linked to the caretaker's desire to cause pain or suffering, or to inflict punishment upon a dependent older person. Victims are typically kept in isolation, physically and socially, which makes identifying them difficult. The isolated nature of elder abuse and neglect not only deters identification of victims, but also makes research on the problem's extent and characteristics very difficult.
Studies suggest that as many as one million elderly persons are abused each year nationwide.
Additional research data on areas such as those just cited will help advance strategies for the prevention of elder abuse. An increase in the number of reports of elder abuse and neglect is also anticipated. Enactment of state laws regarding mandatory reporting of elder abuse and increased efforts of state and local APS programs will result in more victims being identified. Causes Cases of elder abuse range from seemingly deliberate abuse of older persons by spouses and adult children, to unintentional cases of neglect related to the frailty of the older person, to the pressures that can result from caregiving. The source of stress may related to the strain or the burden of caring for a dependent elderly family member or it may relate to environmental circumstances or family crises.