Reporting the Abuse or Neglect of an Older Adult

(60 years of age and older)

Abuse reports can be made by, or on behalf of, an older adult who  

• lives in a private residence
• spends part-time in adult day care
• lives in a care facility (nursing home, personal care home, hospital, etc.)
• is homeless

An AAA protective services caseworker will investigate reports of

• abuse
• neglect (including self-neglect)
• abandonment
• financial exploitation

If you report the abuse or neglect of an older adult, you

• may remain anonymous
• have legal protection from retaliation, discrimination and civil or criminal prosecution
• will be asked to provide
  • your name, address and phone (if not anonymous)
  • victim's name, address and phone (if not self-reporting)
  • demographic data, if available
  • description of allegations
  • name of alleged perpetrator
  • physical/emotional health of victim
  • safety concerns

If the situation is considered "protective," the older adult

• will be provided a full evaluation to determine his/her needs
• will be provided assistance to alleviate the risk of harm
• may refuse help if he/she is of sound mind
• has the right to have all information concerning his/her case treated confidentially

Signs of older adult abuse

Although these signs do not always mean an older adult is being abused, it is important to be aware that elder abuse can occur at any time to anyone over 60 years of age.

• Injuries - bruises or broken bones
• Weight loss - may be due to stress or lack of food
• Dementia - may be blamed on "old age" when the real cause is malnutrition or drug interactions or side effects
• Isolation - seldom if ever leaves his/her residence or receives visitors
• Unusual behavior related to money - withdrawing large sums from a bank account without apparent reason
• Unwarranted legal proceedings - signing over his or her home to a relative

Related Information

Older Adult Protective Services brochure(PDF, 1MB)

Ombudsman Program