Elder Abuse on Long Island: Causes and Solutions
About 260,000 older adults in New York are likely affected by elder abuse, but underreporting occurs due to stigma, according to experts.
A study by the "Under the Radar: New York State Elder Abuse Prevalence Study" found that for every reported case, about 23 cases go unreported.
If your adult child were abusing you financially, emotionally or physically, what would you do?
According to the study, approximately 260,000 older adults are victims of physical, sexual, financial, or psychological abuse each year.
The state Office for the Aging confirmed that the 2011 study is still the most recent and definitive research on elder abuse prevalence.
Experts like Jeanne Cacciatore, director of the Safe Observant Seniors program, work to address the issue on Long Island.
Author's summary: Elder abuse affects many on Long Island.