Recognising and dealing with the abuse of older people

The phenomenon of elder abuse and neglect is not new; indeed, there is evidence that suggests the issues have been present within society for a considerable period of time. Despite the efforts of health- and social-care professionals to draw attention to the topic since the issue was first raised in the late 1970s, it is only since 1988 that the issues related to elder abuse and neglect have begun to be addressed. Health and social-care professionals have not viewed work with older people very positively.