Most people are aware of special shelters for battered women or other victims of domestic abuse. These shelters provide a needed oasis of safety and a chance to rest and recover after an extended period of physical and emotional trauma.

The impacts of elder abuse can be equally as damaging. However, the notion of establishing shelters for abused elders is still a relatively new concept. To date, there are only six such shelters in the entire United States.

The AARP and other advocates for the elderly hope the idea of having more elder abuse shelters will catch on soon.

Nearly one in 10 seniors will become the victims of elder abuse at some point in their lives. Elder abuse shelters can offer the respite of a safe space, combined with a staff trained to accommodate the special medical and emotional needs of elder abuse victims.

Unfortunately, experts expect that the elder abuse problem will likely get worse before it gets better.

Americans are living longer than ever - the proportion of people who live to age 90 has tripled over the last 30 years and will quadruple again by 2050. With that comes increased rates of dementia, Alzheimer's and other disabling illnesses that increase elders' likelihood of being taken advantage of.

Further, the current sad state of the economy may give rise to extra temptation for caretakers of elderly individuals to commit financial abuse.

Hopefully, there will be more institutional support for elder abuse victims in the near future. In the meantime, we can all do our part by being outspoken advocates for our aging loved ones. Take allegations of abuse seriously and speak up if you think an elderly friend or relative might be the victim of abuse.

Source: USA Today, "As USA Grays, Elder Abuse Risk and Need for Shelters Grow," Haya El Nasser, Jan. 10, 2012