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These snapshots illustrate the complex and growing problem of elder abuse. The Committee on Aging estimates that 1 in 20 older adults is abused each year. As the number of older Americans increases, that number is expected to rise. Elder abuse can happen to any older adult regardless of income, education, race, culture or religion. |
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Mary is 68. She has always cared for her parents, now in their 90s. But several days a week she feels too sick to prepare meals.
Sam loves his 82-year-old bedridden wife, Sarah. But he's too weak to lift her to change the soiled bed sheets.
Michael slaps his 80-year-old mother for urinating on the carpet.
Laura thinks her 65-year-old mother's mental confusion is stubbornness. In her frustration, Laura continually threatens her mother with nursing home placement.
Carol receives an eviction notice after giving rent money to her grandson.
Phil, a 75-year-old retired teacher, forgets the boiling soup and the kitchen catches fire.