Elder abandonment

According to elder.findlaw.com, Elder abandonment is generally defined as "the purposeful and permanent desertion of an elderly person. The victim may be left at a hospital, a nursing home, or in a public location. Perhaps the abandoning person feels overburdened or believes he or she lacks the resources to care for the victim."

Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) reported the number of verified cases of abuse and neglect statewide by year were:

2011 – 1,448
2012 – 1,479
2014 – 1,658
2014 – 2,097
2015 – 2,525

Our Goal

Problem: The issue of elder abandonment has been increasing, but some initiatives are being made. The government of China passed a law that encourages adult children to visit their elderly parents. This was due to the fact that 25 million older adults suffer from elder abuse. This law being passed has caught the eye of many different countries that also have the issue of elder abuse.

The unfortunate truth is that elder abuse and abandonment is too common of a problem. Many elderly residents in nursing homes are left alone and barely see their family or have visitors. Our goal during our trip was to help make the nursing home experience more enjoyable for the elderly. With the rate of elderly abuse and neglect rising it is our job to help our elders feel safe and cared for. We hope that more people will follow our examples and end the lack of visitors in nursing homes.