Recognizing the Risks and Red Flags of Elder Abuse Those who are assisting older loved ones likely try to do everything they can to keep that loved one safe, such as making sure they have a list of emergency contacts or assessing whether they can still safely operate a vehicle. However, sometimes the greatest threats to a loved one can be a person, whether family members, fellow caregivers, medical staff, complete strangers or even themselves. According to the National Council on Aging, approximately one in ten Americans aged 60 or older have experienced some form of elder abuse. Read more