" When you say elder abuse there's several different types of elder abuse. There's financial abuse there's whats called passive neglect, there's emotional abuse. there is sexual abuse...," says Scott Schluter, supervisor of Alternatives for the Older Adult.
So how can we make sure our loved ones are safe when they are not in our care?
President and CEO of the Center for Active Seniors, Laura Kopp says if you are deciding whether or not to place your senior in a senior living facility, there are a few things you should do.
" First identify a place where you can take a loved one to stay. I think you want to visit that place and I think you want to spend some time there take a look at the other residents there. Do they look clean? Do they look happy? Do they look well cared for?"
She also says staying socially active is another way to prevent elder abuse, this provides a support system.
The most important question to ask is how well do you know the people taking care of your loved one.