It is estimated that for every one case of elder abuse, neglect, exploitation, or self-neglect reported to authorities, about five more go unreported. In a long-term care setting, incidences of abuse occur behind closed doors and are rarely reported by the resident.
Without concrete evidence, many staff and family members struggle with their suspicions of abuse. Facilities state that reports of abuse are to be free from retaliation; unfortunately, this is not always the case, and fear of reprisal will stop both residents and staff members from reporting abuse. [Read more…]
