One of the First Elder Abuse Shelters in the US Launches

With elder abuse on the rise, as is all domestic violence in this stressful time of financial struggle, there have been almost no shelters available for elder abuse victims in the entire country. The first elder abuse shelter in Ohio has just launched at Cedar Village Retirement Community.

“For decades, many communities have had shelters for victims of domestic violence. But those shelters do not fully meet the needs of older adults who are victims of abuse, even though the issues may be similar. About a half-dozen shelters for elderly abuse victims exist in nursing homes around the country—including in Connecticut, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Atlanta. The first opened six years ago in New York City.

Research indicates that more than one in ten elders may experience some type of abuse. Only one in five cases is reported. Annual estimates range from 700,000 to 3.5 million victims in the U.S. Elder abuse is defined as intentional or neglectful acts by a caregiver or “trusted” individual that lead to, or may lead to, harm of an elder. Abuse includes physical abuse, neglect, emotional or psychological abuse, verbal abuse and threats, financial abuse and exploitation, sexual abuse and abandonment. “

To read the rest of the article, click here  Ohio’s First Elder Abuse Shelter   .