Mickey Rooney Reported Feeling ‘Trapped and Scared’ As a Result of Elder Abuse

Actor Mickey Rooney testified before Congress earlier this month regarding his personal experiences as a victim of elder abuse. The 90-year-old film star told the Senate’s Special Committee on Aging that he was abused and taken advantage of by a family member. He explained that the abuse made him feel “trapped, scared, frustrated, helpless and ashamed.”

Rooney offered to testify in support of a piece of legislation that Congress is considering that would help to curb the abuse of senior citizens by family members and other caretakers. It was reported by the American Psychological Association that an estimated 2.1 million senior citizens are currently victims of elder and nursing home abuse.

The National Center on Elder Abuse has reported that elder abuse is not predominant in any specific socioeconomic or racial group, but that seniors and other individuals who suffer from dementia are particularly vulnerable to abuse. If you suspect that a family member or friend is a victim of elder or nursing home abuse you should contact the Virginia Adult Protective Services hotline at: 1-888-832-3858. A qualified nursing home abuse attorney may also be able to help.