Family members are the most loving and nurturing source of care for older adults,1 but they are also the most likely perpetrators of elder abuse.2 and 3 It is widely accepted by nurses that having family at the bedside is a positive thing and indicates available social support and help. However, despite recommendations from several professional nursing groups (e.g. forensic nursing, public health nursing) and the American Medical Association reporting of older adults and their family members for elder abuse is not routinely done.4 and 5 This puts the task to report elder abuse on the older adult which is problematic.