United States Issues in Elder Abuse

Abstract

This chapter addresses overarching approaches to the topic of elder abuse by explaining attitudes toward the problem and how they have shaped US public policy responses to it. First, we explore past and present societal attitudes and awareness of elder abuse. Second, we explain major responses to the problem, taking into account progress made in the domains of medicine, public health, law, social services, and private organizations and entities. Finally and going forward, we suggest approaches to the problem.