Eye Opening Facts about Virginia Elder Abuse & Neglect

Virginia elder abuse: it is a topic that few people like to talk about, but just about everyone knows happens.  Consider these chilling facts about elder abuse:

1. At least 1 in 9 people over the age of sixty are abused every year (Department of Justice).  These are just the cases that are reported.
2. For every one case of elder abuse reported, experts estimate that five more go unreported.  If this is true, it means that means about half of people over age 60 will be abused at some point each year.
3. The vast majority of people who abuse elders – 90 percent, in fact – are known to the victim.  They are family members like adult children or spouses.
4. Financial exploitation of elders is far more common than most people realize, coming in as the third most common kind of elder abuse / neglect (behind elder neglect and emotional / psychological abuse).
5. Experts estimate that elders lose at least $2.6 billion every year from financial exploitation
6. Abused elders are 300 times more likely to die than those who have not been mistreated.

We find these statistics disturbing, and we are sure you do, too.  If you suspect someone you love is being subjected to nursing home or assisted living abuse or if you suspect that you’re dealing with a case of wrongful death, please contact our office immediately.