The number of elderly people who are abused every day in this country and around the world is increasing at an astonishing rate, whether by individuals or by institutions. Up to one in ten older people and one in two people with dementia are victims of elder abuse. Unfortunately, for every reported case, 23 go unreported. (“Get Info,” 2014), As statistics show, elder abuse is not uncommon in the United States. Any older person is at risk of being physically, emotionally, sexually or financially abused by another person. Seniors can also harm themselves by neglecting their daily needs. At St. Rita Nursing Home during Katrina, thirty-five elderly residents were trapped inside and eventually drowned in their wheelchairs and beds. Physical elder abuse is defined as inflicting physical pain or injury on an older person. Some examples of physical violence include slapping, bruising, and restraint by physical or chemical means. Older people bruise much more easily than younger people, but bruising alone is not sufficient evidence that an older person is being abused. Abusive behaviors may be intentional or unintentional, but regardless of the person's means, if they cause the older person pain, they are indeed abusing them. Any injury that cannot be explained by a sane elder should be interpreted as abuse and should be thoroughly investigated. Physical abuse, if intentional, is often accompanied by emotional abuse. Psychological abuse involves inflicting mental pain, anguish or distress on an older person through verbal or non-verbal actions. About 4.6 percent of adults over the age of 60 reported experiencing some form of emotional abuse before 2009. Some examples... middle of paper ... their hands. This is surely a position that no one else would want to be in and make this kind of decision. Doe is and always will be an elder abuser! She, alongside her husband, took the lives of 35 innocent people that day. As noted previously, abuse may be unintentional. I don't believe she intended to kill her patients, but by not evacuating she should be held fully responsible for what happened. From top to bottom, elder abuse is pervasive and can affect 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 of the signs of elder abuse and the necessary steps to take to reduce them. As with all abuse, it will never be completely stopped, but it can be significantly reduced. Everyone is responsible for this and everyone has the power to stop this.!