I think elder abuse is as large of a problem as child abuse - it's just less talked about. It is hard as a healthcare provider who has only a short contact with patients to judge others who deal with the same patient for long periods. I enjoy transporting elderly patients - they're often fascinating and funny people. They can also be a pain in the bum.. While I don't condone the violence or neglect, I can imagine the frustration getting to people. You do need to be a very special person to want to do that job, I'd say. There just needs to be better oversight to weed out the good and caring ones from the mean and spiteful ones.