Elder Abuse – A Growing Concern

As seniors continue to age, more adults over sixty are relying on their families for care as they age in their homes. Unfortunately an elder’s dependence on family can make her or him more vulnerable to abuse. While common perception is that nursing home staff are usually responsible for elder abuse, according to a National Elder Abuse Incidence Study conducted for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, nine out of every ten incidents of elder abuse involve perpetrators who are family members.

Elder abuse, including physical, emotional and financial forms of abuse, is a growing concern in Massachusetts and elsewhere. Fortunately there are resources available to help if you or someone you know is being abused. For more information, read this informative three part series that explores the consequences of the physical and financial abuse of elders, and the strain on care givers.

If you think an elder is being financially exploited or abused, call an elder law attorney at North Shore Elder Law & Estate Planning to discuss your options about how to best protect the elder. Contact us  at 781-979-9050.