Elder abuse is an under-recognised cause of morbidity in the elderly. The frail elderly with multiple physical and psychiatric problems living with a relative who may also have a physical or psychiatric problem are particularly at risk. Although increased awareness of the problem and a high index of suspicion are necessary factors to diagnose the condition, clinical pointers towards diagnosis are available. Treatment for both victim and "carer" should be on the basis of multi-disciplinary assessment, and may result in admission of the elderly patient to an extended-care facility.