Baby boomers make up 26 percent of the U.S. population.

Overview What is elder abuse? Signs of abuse Myths about elder abuse Rights of vulnerable adults Maintaining connections Current laws Legislative updates Laws by state Articles of interest COMMON FORMS OF ABUSE Many people mistakenly assume that only battered paople are abused. → More TAKE ACTION "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."             Dr. Margaret Mead Gary A. Jones When Gary Jones became sick with terminal cancer, his caregiver denied him visitation with his children. → More Click on a state to begin. The current laws in that state will be displayed below. Idaho In Idaho, a vulnerable adult is defined as a person eighteen (18) years of age or older who is unable to protect himself from abuse, neglect or exploitation due to physical or mental impairment, which affects the person's judgment or behavior to the extent that he lacks sufficient understanding or capacity to make or communicate or implement decisions regarding his person. Additionally, Idaho defines abuse as the intentional or negligent infliction of physical pain, injury or mental injury. More specifically, the various forms of abuse are defined as follows: Abuse: Abuse may result in scratches, cuts, bruises, burns, broken bones, confinement, bedsores, sexual battery or rape, intimidation or other verbal or emotional abuse. Neglect: Neglect, including self-neglect, may result in starvation or severe malnutrition, dehydration, over- or under-medication, a dangerously unsanitary living environment, gross inattention to personal hygiene, or the absence of heat, running water, electricity, or medical care. Exploitation: Exploitation involves the misuse of a vulnerable adult's financial resources or tangible property. Such exploitation often involves taking the victim's Social Security or Supplementary Security Income (SSI) checks, abusing a joint checking account, or taking actual property such as a house or other valuable assets (examples: a car, jewelry, a coin collection, antiques, etc.) Here are some links for reference on elder abuse in the state of Idaho: http://www3.state.id.us/idstat/TOC/39053KTOC.html http://www.idahoaging.com/programs/ps_adultprotect.htm http://www.idahoaging.com/news/AP.HTM