It is a sad truth that statistics is showing us. Abuse of the elderly is rampant and there is not much that is being done to correct it. It happens in private homes as well as in nursing homes. In nursing homes alone, statistics show that more than 30 percent of all nursing homes in America have some form of resident abuse existing. The frightening thing is that only 20 percent of actual abuses are reported.

Elderly abuse takes on many forms. It may come in the form of physical or emotional abuse. Physical abuse involves the use of force on an elderly that causes him pain or injury. It can also mean the inappropriate use of drugs, any form of restraint or confinement. Emotional abuse can be a simple verbal intimidation or habitual humiliation, ridicule and blaming. In some cases, just the fact that the elderly is being ignored already creates psychological trauma on them.