Merck Manuals to Highlight the Problem of Elder Abuse

KENILWORTH, N.J. (June 1, 2017)—Expert information on how to prevent elder abuse and recognize and respond to the problem when it does occur will be highlighted on merckmanuals.com, an online medical reference, during the first half of June.

The United Nations has designated June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

About 1 in 10 Americans have experienced elder abuse. Moreover, elder abuse is underreported and a study published in 2016 found that the problem is often missed when older Americans are admitted to an emergency department.

“Older people can be mistreated by having harmful things done or said to them or by having necessary things withheld from them,” said Daniel B. Kaplan, PhD, LICSW, a contributor to merckmanuals.com, who authored several essays on issues related to the elderly. “The circumstances can be exacerbated when caregivers are overwhelmed by the demands on them or they are inadequately prepared for the role.” Dr. Kaplan is an Assistant Professor at Adelphi University School of Social Work.

The content, which will be highlighted on merckmanuals.com/home from June 1 through June 16, will cover:

• Preventing elder abuse
• Recognizing the signs of elder abuse
• Responding to elder abuse
• Avoiding caregiver burnout
• Self-neglect in the elderly

The website will also feature an infographic describing the different types of elder abuse.

“While the entire content of The Merck Manuals is always available online, what we decide to call special attention to on the landing page is dynamic,” explained Editor-in-Chief Robert S. Porter, M.D. “We often look to highlight topics based on national observances and issues that have broad implications for society and public health.

An overview of the subject matter related to elder abuse can be accessed at anytime at merckmanuals.com/elderabuse.