Management of elder abuse in the emergency department.

Emergency physicians are in an ideal position to diagnose and intervene in suspected cases of elder abuse. This article reviews domestic violence against the elderly, highlighting the risk factors for elder abuse, its prevalence, and related medicolegal issues. A special section on mistreatment of the elderly in long-term care facilities is included. In addition to the management of elderly abuse in the emergency department, possible future directions for improved detection of elder abuse or neglect are reviewed.