An emerging cultural paradox in the Native American community is the long history of respect for elders and the emergence of elder abuse as a problem. Elders commonly hold a special and respected place in traditional Native American societies due largely to their experience, knowledge, wisdom, and power as dreamers, healers, and teachers. Although violence against other tribal members is considered as unnatural and a threat to internal spiritual harmony, victimization, and abuse of elders and is recognized as a clandestine but increasing problem in the Native American community. This challenges health care providers and tribal members to provide safe and culturally congruent care to the elderly as well as coming to terms with this cultural paradox. There is a growing commitment by tribes to address this problem and to provide and honor the Native American elder. This article provides information for health care providers to better understand elder abuse in the cultural context of the Native American community as well implications for care.
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