Elder Abuse Victims Are Three Times More Likely To Die Sooner Than Non-Victims

Written by Adam Peck Category: Elder Law January 26th, 2013 2 min read

Elder Abuse Statistics are Shocking

7.6-11% of people 60+ at home are victims of elder abuse, neglect or exploitation.
47% of people with dementia at home are abused or neglected by their caregivers.
For every one case of elder abuse that comes to light, 23.5 do not.
50-90% of nursing homes are understaffed at levels that harm residents.

Elder abuse includes abuse, neglect and financial exploitation. It occurs in homes and facilities; cuts across all demographic groups; and causes untold suffering and cost, not just for its victims, but also for those who care about and for them. Victims often live their last years–impoverished, injured, neglected and in fear–with little effective assistance, protection or attention from any system.

Victims of elder abuse suffer more injuries and illnesses and are three times more likely to die sooner than non-victims. In addition to depleting the resources of already stressed individuals and families, elder abuse costs taxpayers billions of dollars annually in Medicare, Medicaid and other federal, state and local program expenditures.

“We are at the early stage of a hidden epidemic. As 77 million baby boomers age and caregiving shortages grow more acute, the problem will grow. Wealth and fame do not provide immunity, as the plight of Mickey Rooney and Brooke Astor show. A 2011 General Accountability Office (GAO) report documents the need for more funding and federal leadership. Yet, our response to elder abuse lags 40 years behind child abuse and 20 years behind domestic violence.” says California Elder Abuse Lawyer Steven C. Peck.

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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.