[Elder abuse: practice issues for physicians]

Elder abuse is frequent (from 4 to 6% of adults aged 65 + according to WHO). It can take various forms: psychological, financial, violation of rights, neglect and physical. Due to demographic changes, it is expected that the number of cases will increase over coming years. Scientific data show the importance of a systemic analysis of elder abuse situations in order to avoid the simplistic thinking of the "horrible abuser" and the "poor victim". A multidisciplinary team, including a physician (a general practitioner, or a specialist), is necessary. Physicians can play a role in the prevention, detection and follow up of such cases. In order to detect elder abuse, active and attentive listening is mandatory. When a possibility exists that the older adult is abused, the suspicion should be documented (per example, by using the EASI tool), in order to implement an adequate follow-up. In the French part of Belgium, specialised services can be involved: Respect Seniors (www.respectseniors.be) in Wallonia and the SEPAM d'Infor-Homes in Brussels.