Mistreatment of elders. Assessment, diagnosis, and intervention.

Elder mistreatment is a significant elder care issue that demands a concerted, multidisciplinary effort and systematic follow-up in order to provide positive results. As our nation continues to age and the profile of the care provider changes with more women in the work force and fewer offspring to provide care, there is a potential for an epidemic of elder mistreatment. Thoughtful planning now can provide the system and personnel to make the difference as more and more people become potential victims.