One of the most misunderstood forms of abuse is neglect.
Neglect occurs when a caregiver or trusted person fails to meet an older adult’s basic needs, such as food, water, shelter, hygiene, medical care, or safety. It can be intentional or unintentional, but in all cases, it places older adults at serious risk.
Misconceptions about neglect are often rooted in ageism, lack of awareness, and misunderstandings about caregiving dynamics. When neglect is dismissed as accidental or inevitable, warning signs are more likely to be overlooked.
These false beliefs can lead professionals to underestimate how serious and common neglect is—resulting in less urgency, fewer resources, and limited prevention efforts.
At the National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life (NCALL), we are working to change that. Through training and resources, we help professionals recognize abuse sooner, respond more effectively, and support survivors in reclaiming safety and dignity.
This WEAAD, join us in bringing attention to neglect and other forms of abuse in later life!
- Share this post to raise awareness.
- Take the pledge to stand with older survivors. www.ncall.us/take-the-pledge/
- Support NCALL’s work: https://bit.ly/supportNCALL