New York Study Finds Elder Abuse More Common Than Originally Thought

A New York-based study found that elder abuse is more common than originally thought. The study consisted of a survey of 4,000 New York residents over the age of 59.

The study found that for every reported case of financial exploitation of elders, 43.9 cases went unreported. Similarly, for every reported case of elder neglect, 57.2 cases went unreported. However, the number of abused elders may be even higher than the survey reflects as the study did not include individuals unable to participate.

The National Adult Protective Services Association said the study’s findings demonstrate the need for the funding of the Elder Justice Act, a comprehensive federal law enacted as part of the legislation for health reform. To date, Congress has yet to fund the Act.

The full study will be available after its release by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.

See Study Finds that Elder Abuse is More Prevalent than Previously Thought, ElderLawAnswers, Nov. 24, 2010.