The number of elders who are abused every day in this country and around the world is growing at an astonishing rate, both by individuals and institutions. About one in ten older adults and one in two people with dementia are victims of elder abuse. Unfortunately, for every reported case there are 23 that go unreported. (“Get Info,” 2014), as you can see from the statistics, elder abuse is not uncommon in the United States. Any senior has the potential to be physically, emotionally, sexually, or financially abused by another individual. Elderly people can also cause harm to themselves by neglecting their daily needs. At the Santa Rita nursing home during Katrina, thirty-five elderly residents were trapped inside, all eventually drowning in their wheelchairs and beds. Physical elder abuse is defined as inflicting physical pain or injury on an older adult. Some examples of physical abuse include slapping, bruising, and restraint by physical or chemical means. Older people bruise much more easily than younger people, but bruises alone are not enough evidence that an older person is being abused. Abusive behavior can be intentional or unintentional, but regardless of the person's means, if they cause the elder pain, they are actually abusing them. Any injury that cannot be explained by a sane elder should be interpreted as abuse and should be thoroughly investigated. Physical abuse, when intentional, is often accompanied by emotional abuse. Emotional abuse involves inflicting mental pain, distress, or discomfort on an older person through verbal or nonverbal acts. About 4.6% of adults over the age of 60 reported experiencing some form of emotional abuse before 2009. Some examples… middle of the paper… their hands. This is definitely a position that no one else would want to be in and make that kind of decision. Doe is, and always will be, an elder abuser! That day she, along with her husband, took the lives of 35 innocent people. As stated previously, abuse can be unintentional. I don't think she wanted to kill her patients, but by not evacuating she should be held fully responsible for what happened. From top to bottom, elder abuse is invasive and can occur in any family, anywhere, on any day. The only way to stop this horrible act is to take a stand and involve the community. The public must be informed about the signs of elder abuse and the necessary measures to be taken to reduce it. Like all abuse, it will never be stopped completely, but it can be greatly reduced. Everyone is responsible for it and everyone has the power to stop it!