As some individuals age, their faculties may decline and their ability to care for themselves may be compromised. Because of their fragility, inability to think clearly, and mental or physical ailments, elderly individuals may become targets of abuse. Overwhelmed or unscrupulous caregivers may take advantage of elderly individuals that are unable to stand up and fight for or protect themselves. When caregivers, especially professional caregivers in facilities such as nursing homes, cause harm to an elderly individual in some substantial way, this caregiver may be guilty of committing elder abuse. Families of elderly individuals residing in nursing homes should be aware of the signs of elder abuse and know how to report suspected abuse or neglect.

Elder abuse includes things such as physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, and healthcare fraud. Signs of these various types of elder abuse include frequent arguments between the elderly individual and their caregiver as well as any peculiar changes in the elderly individual's personality or behavior. While these signs could be indicative of some type of mental or physical decline, they should not be regarded as such without further investigation. Additional signs of elder abuse include unexplained physical injuries, a caregiver's refusal to allow family to be alone with the patient, unusual weight loss, unsafe living conditions, suspicious changes in the elderly individual's will, odd financial activity, and evidence of undermedication or overmedication. These are just a few of the evidences that elder abuse may be taking place.

Abuse of the elderly is illegal and morally unjustifiable. Taking advantage of those that are vulnerable and susceptible is a heinous offense to society, and those responsible for such grievous actions should be held accountable. Families that suspect their loved one is suffering any form of elder abuse at the hands of their caregivers should contact the proper authorities immediately. In addition, families may also wish to retain the services of a capable attorney. An attorney can help families ensure that those responsible for elder abuse are held liable for their actions. Through a comprehensive and exhaustive investigation, an attorney can assist families in identifying all parties responsible for their loved one's abuse or neglect. When caregivers break a family's trust by abusing or neglecting their elderly loved one, the family should seek both justice and financial compensation on behalf of the elder abuse victim.