Introductory training on elder abuse often begins with a brief definition like this one: “Elder abuse, also known as elder mistreatment, generally refers to any knowing, negligent act that causes harm or creates a serious risk of harm to an older person by a family member, caregiver, or other person in a trust relationship (Office of Justice Programs [Office for Victims of Crime], 2017).” Typically, this generic description is followed by an illustrative case study that humanizes the mistreatment and exposes the breadth and depth of emotional, physical, and psychological harm experienced by a victim. I have never failed to be moved and disturbed by such cases. Thus, I steeled myself going in for my viewing of “He Wouldn’t Turn Me Loose.” My preparation failed miserably.

Read full review in The Gerontologist.