A Pervasive Problem
The World Health Organization defines elder abuse as, “a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person.” The WHO also states that, “Based on available evidence, WHO estimates that 15.7% of people 60 years and older are subjected to abuse. These prevalence rates are likely to be underestimates as many cases of elder abuse are not reported.”
It is Multifaceted
Many people work with the elderly due to their passion for helping others. For others it is just a job and for some it is even more nefarious. Some of these individuals do not care or are out to actively take advantage of their position of power over the vulnerable. These abuses can be from court appointed guardians, nursing home employees, assisted living facility staff or even friends and family who have access to the elder or their assets.
We can Help
Hopefully we can address the issue aggressively and as soon as possible by identifying the abuser, the extent of abuse, and obtaining evidence. This is done using various tools and techniques including covert cameras, interviews, surveillance, background checks and financial investigations.
