Abuse of the elderly.

The phenomenon of elder abuse is beginning to be recognized by health professionals. However, many cases probably are overlooked. The proposed screening protocol suggests subjective and objective data collection drawn from the available literature on battered elders and on the child abuse model. The identification of neglect and abuse victims provides, first, a needed addition to health care of the elderly and service to those who need it; and second, a population for further research into the characteristics of abusing families. This research is essential to the primary prevention of the abuse and neglect of the elderly.