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Elder abuse has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. Elderly people may be more vulnerable to abuse than others because of social isolation and mental impairment. Abuse of the elderly can occur in the elder's home, in a nursing home, or in public. The perpetrators of elderly abuse may be professional caregivers; relatives; spouses; partners; doctors; lawyers; bankers; accountants; or strangers. A caregiver may be unable to cope with the demands of caring for an elder, and some of the stress is relieved when they take advantage of someone else who is more vulnerable.
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