At every point in life, people are faced with others who would take advantage of them. Here are the five common areas of abuse:

These are 5 common areas of abuse:

• physical abuse (caregiver neglect as well as overt violence)
• psychological abuse (name-calling, making threats, misleading, ignoring needs, patronizing, etc.)
• sexual abuse
• financial abuse (misuse and/or theft of money or belongings; gross overcharging for goods/services)
• self-neglect (refusal or failure to care for self or seek proper care)

If you suspect you are victimized by one of these forms of abuse, please seek help.  Not only will you protect yourself, an possibly others, but you are providing a benefit to the abuser as well—a chance for recovery.
IF YOU SUSPECT ABUSE, to yourself or others, PLEASE CALL: 

• (800) 792-8820  (Adult Protective Services)
• (877) 222-3737  NJ EASE

Suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation in nursing, assisted or other licensed health facilities should be reported to:

• (877) 582-6995 (Office of the Ombudsman)

The most significant problem with Elder Neglect and Abuse is under-reporting.  Research indicates that for every 5 incidence of elder abuse, 4 go unreported (Elder Mistreatment Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation in an Aging America. 2003. Washington D.C.: National Research of Elder Abuse and Neglect.)

This information  is provided by Dr. Thomas  Cavalieri, chair of the Department of Medicine at University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey School of Osteopathic Medicine.  He is also the Director of the New Jersey Institute for Successful Aging

Why is elder abuse only beginning to come to light? Thomas Cavalieri says in the last decade, people have become more aware that it's out there. "It's like child abuse," he says. "It's been around a long time, but we didn't recognize it as a public health concern until the '70s." And it's on the rise, he says, because the fastest growing population is the elderly, who are prone to age-specific diseases, like Alzheimer's. These ailments cause seniors to eventually rely on others for care. "That's one hallmark of any kind of abuse," he says. "One person is dependent on another."

A surprising amount of elder abuse takes place in the home, Cavalieri states. "Home is not always the safe haven we think it is," he says. "Many people do a yeoman's job of taking care of a loved one," he says. "But some find it very stressful, and that's understandable. They want to help, but aren't sure how."

He says there are resources available to assist care givers. Local hospitals usually have a list of support groups, respite services, adult day care centers and contacts for senior companion programs.

A new program, unique to New Jersey, is known as Easy Access Single Point of Entry or EASE. The number for New Jersey EASE (800-627-2727) may be called for information on programs and services for the elderly in the state. New Jersey EASE can also be called if someone knows of elder abuse that is taking place but wishes to remain anonymous. Cavalieri points out that it is not mandatory to report abuse that is taking place in a residence, but it is a law that anyone who witnesses or even suspects abuse in an institution must report it to the New Jersey Ombudsman's Office.