Violence and the older adult: the role of the acute care nurse practitioner.

The United States population has an increasing number of older adults. One health problem often unrecognized in this aging population is elder abuse. Elder abuse can be classified into six categories: (1) physical abuse, (2) sexual abuse, (3) financial exploitation, (4) neglect, (5) psychological abuse, and (6) violation of rights. The abused older adult often lives with the abuser, has no outside support, and may live with intergenerational family violence. The acute care nurse practitioner is in an excellent position to become a patient advocate by recognizing the abused older adult, initiating an interdisciplinary team approach, and educating the community about elder abuse.