[Report] Future Us: Roadmap to Elder Abuse Prevention

Elder abuse is both widespread and persistently overlooked, not only by the public, but by funders, governments, and sometimes even by the systems designed to support older adults.

Part of the reason, we suspect, is that elder abuse is deeply uncomfortable to confront. It often involves family members, trusted caregivers, or people that an older adult depends on which is one reason it can be so difficult to see and even harder to address. Relationships and situations can be complex, emotionally charged, and difficult to untangle. Adding to the complexity are mental health considerations—specifically, whether existing mental health issues increase an older adult’s vulnerability to abuse, or whether abuse itself contributes to the development of mental illness. Assessment can be particularly challenging in cases of elder abuse, where what appears to be mental illness may instead reflect emotional responses to harm, increasing the risk of misdiagnosis.

Supporting older adults who may be experiencing abuse requires care. A well-intentioned intervention can sometimes increase risk if it is not handled thoughtfully, particularly when an older adult depends on the person who may be causing harm. Approaches that respect autonomy, prioritize safety, and offer options rather than directives can help ensure that attempts to help do not unintentionally make the situation worse.

The Future Us: Roadmap to Elder Abuse Prevention report, emphasizes that addressing elder abuse requires a coordinated response across sectors, including health care, social services, financial institutions, and community organizations.

Elder abuse is not something we can address if we are not willing to face it. Governments, policy makers, funders, health systems, and community organizations all have a role to play. Keeping these experiences in the shadows does not make them disappear. It only reinforces the stigma and silence that allow abuse to continue. Bringing this issue further into the open helps ensure that when something is wrong in the lives of older adults, someone is prepared to notice and respond.

Read the report now, attached.