Elder financial abuse is an “epidemic” and likely to become much worse given that 77 million baby boomers are entering their so-called “retirement” years (See “Golden years? Financial elder-abuse now epidemic,” Andrew Osterland, InvestmentNews). Between 500,000 and 5 million elders are abused, neglected or exploited each year, and the abuse is often unreported. “Elders can be afraid to report abuse, for a variety of reasons,” one practitioner was quoted as saying, adding: “In many cases, they may depend on the abuser and fear reprisals from them. They may be afraid of being placed in a nursing home or dread the stigma of domestic violence.”