Incidence rates are critically examined in light of varying definitions of what constitutes elder abuse. It is suggested that the clinician's position of mandatory reporting is an unrealistic response in many cases of elder abuse due to the lack of adequate support services for either the abuser or the elder. Outcome studies are used to support this suggestion. A brief review of policy on this issue charts the decreasing funds available for services. Constitutional rights of elders and infantilization through mandated reporting are addressed. The suggestion is made to policymakers and clinicians to concentrate their efforts not on finding cases of abuse, but rather doing something once they are found. (Author)