Elder Abuse Is Rising As The Population of Older Americans Grows Dramatically

Written by Adam Peck Category: Elder Law January 26th, 2013 1 min read

On March 23, 2010 the president of the United States signed into law landmark health care reform legislation. Many are unaware that included in this legislation are the Elder Justice Act and the Patient Safety and Abuse Prevention Act andthat this is “the most comprehensive federal legislation ever to combat elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.” says California Elder Abuse Attorney Steven C. Peck.

Elder abuse, neglect and exploitation are a national tragedy and still very much an unrecognized problem, with consequences that can be devastating, even life-threatening. The population of older Americans is growing dramatically, with over 13 percent of the U.S. population over 65. By 2030, that is expected to grow to 22 percent. And with the increase in the population of older Americans comes a corresponding increase in the problem of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.

There are several forms of elder abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual, neglect and financial exploitation. Some experts estimate that only one out of 14 domestic elder abuse incidents comes to the attention of authorities. Nationally, it is estimated that between 1 and 2 million elders are abused annually, and that the annual financial loss by victims of elder financial abuse is at least $2.6 billion.

Share it

Questions? Check with Peck Today

Blog Lead Form

Elder Abuse and Neglect in Assisted Living Facilities

Elopement in Nursing Homes

Assisted Living Abuse

Settlement Reached in Assisted Living Facility Death

Assisted Living Abuse and Neglect Attorneys

Written by Adam Peck

Expertise: Personal Injury

Adam J. Peck, ESQ is a principal with Peck Law Group, APC. In 2008, Mr. Adam Peck received his Juris Doctorate from Whittier Law School where he graduated Cum Laude. His practice is primarily dedicated to representing Elders, Dependent Adults, along with their loved ones and family members, who have suffered horrific personal injuries.