MASON, Ohio (AP) — A retirement community in southwest Ohio is one of a handful nationally that offers shelter for victims of elder abuse.
Cedar Village's Shalom Center in the northern Cincinnati suburb of Mason is marking its anniversary this month. Although more than 40 seniors were referred to the center, only three stayed there. Experts say that's an indication of how reluctant elder abuse victims are to seek help. They fear being cut off from family, feel ashamed, or are confused about what has happened.
National estimates often say some two million older Americans suffer some form of abuse or neglect every year, with most cases never reported.
It's a problem expected to grow as the nation's population becomes older with the graying of the baby boomer generation.
