Detecting and intervening against elder abuse: Tips for primary care

Detecting and intervening against elder abuse: Tips for primary care
Medscape; by Batya Swift Yasgur; 8/27/25
Elder abuse is any action - or lack of appropriate action - occurring in a relationship where there is an expectation of trust that causes harm or distress to an older person, according to the World Health Organization. One sixth of community-dwelling older adults are affected by elder abuse, with rates climbing in the United States and globally... [This article explores:]

• Risk factors
• Detecting elder abuse in the clinical setting: Elder abuse is typically divided into five categories: neglect/abandonment, physical, psychological/emotional, sexual, financial.
• Observing potential red flags in the patient-caregiver interaction
• Screening for elder abuse
• Reporting elder abuse
• Questions to ask patients

Invited Commentary by Carole Fisher: This article brings awareness to the realities of elder abuse, from understanding risk factors to recognizing the most common forms it takes, such as neglect, physical harm, emotional mistreatment, and financial exploitation. What’s critical here is the call to notice red flags in patient-caregiver interactions, to ask direct questions, and to screen even when it feels uncomfortable. Elder abuse is often hidden in plain sight, and with only a fraction of cases ever reported, the stakes could not be higher. Each of us, whether a clinician, a community leader, or simply a caring neighbor, has the power to intervene and protect the dignity and safety of older adults. Awareness must be met with action.
Carole Fisher serves as President of the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI). NPHI has developed a resource to help educate communities and providers on elder abuse, available at www.nphihealth.org/elderabuse.