Elder Maltreatment (EM)

While there is no set definition of what is considered “old” in our nation, the CDC defines an “older adult” as “someone age 60 or older.”³⁰ Many older adults, especially those that are functionally dependent, require some level of care by a caregiver or by someone they trust.²⁷ Thus, this creates a situation in which the older person becomes vulnerable and potentially subject to abuse and/or exploitation.

Clinically, we are seeing a national decline in edentulism. Trends also indicate that the geriatric patient’s focus is switching from fixing an oral a problem after they occur to more of a focus on prevention of oral diseases. Thus, dental professionals are seeing more elderly patients in their clinical practice as they come into the dental office more often than previous generations. This increases the likelihood that dental professionals will encounter instances of Elder Maltreatment/Abuse (EM) more often than in the past.

A uniform definition of EM does not exist, as states take varying approaches in defining it in law. Generally, it is a "knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or poses a serious risk of harm to an older adult" or a vulnerable adult.³¹ This includes physical and emotional abuse, neglect, and/or financial exploitation. Usually the perpetrator is in a position of trust to the victim.³¹