Various situations in which health care providers are faced with the professional responsibility for assisting possible victims of elderly physical or sexual abuse are described. Guidelines are provided for assessing physical or sexual abuse concerns in these situations. A discussion of the clinical dynamics of physical and sexual abuse of the elderly includes the definitions of physical and sexual abuse as well as indicators of such abuse. Categories of victims and offenders of physical and sexual abuse are also considered. A review of assessment situations includes those in which the elderly patient discloses abuse to the health provider, those in which the physical evidence of abuse is observed without disclosure, and when others seek assistance from a health care provider. A discussion of guidelines for assisting suspected victims focuses on responding to patient disclosures, responding to indicators of abuse in the absence of disclosure, and responding to requests by others for assistance. 18 references