In caring for America's aging population, emphasis on maintaining elders in the community, preferable at home, with appropriate support services. But what of those older persons who are at home, without a caring network of relatives or friends? What of elders who are undernourished, under- or over-medicated, visually handicapped, hard of hearing, or otherwise disabled? Many of these older people may be unaware of their need for help, or are well aware of their situation but deliberately hiding their needs from others for fear of being "a burden" or of losing their freedom.

This important book brings together an impressive array of experts who seek to assist family and friends in recognizing the danger signs that surround an at-risk elder, and points out the vital, but often subtle, distinctions between types of behavior that give cause for worry and those which can best be described as idiosyncratic. The essays offer suggestions for appropriate assistance that maintains respect for elder autonomy and freedom.