Family physicians need to know the predisposing factors for elder abuse, which may be as common as child abuse and spouse abuse. Victims and abusers often seek assistance through medical services. Neglect is probably the most common form of elder abuse, followed by emotional or verbal abuse and abandonment. Physical abuse is relatively rare. Intervention strategies should include not only the victim but also the abuser.
家庭医生需要了解虐待老年人的诱发因素,这种情况可能与虐待儿童和虐待配偶一样常见。受害者和施虐者常常通过医疗服务寻求帮助。忽视可能是虐待老年人最常见的形式,其次是情感或言语虐待以及遗弃。身体虐待相对较少见。干预策略不仅应包括受害者,还应包括施虐者。