How to Report Elder Abuse and Neglect

The elderly can often seem to go unnoticed which increases the likelihood of elder abuse and neglect going unnoticed as well. These situations can take place in the home by family members and caregivers or even in nursing home and care facilities or anywhere that elder care is performed.

If you even suspect in the slightest that there is cause for concern then take action with one of the steps below.

Instructions

• 1

  If the elder abuse or neglect is immediately life threatening then waste no time calling and reporting it to the police. This step may even be utilized if it is not a life threatening situation but you will need a reason or evidence of neglect. The authorities will most likely investigate and then bring in Social and Health services or Adult Protective Services (A.P.S) if it does not appear immediately life threatening.

• 2

  If the situation does not appear to be immediately life threatening then contact your local Adult Protective Services agency, otherwise known as APS. This service is designed to investigate elder abuse and the neglect of the elderly. This service has access to numerous resources and is known for their dedication to the proper care enforcement of the elderly.

• 3

  You can also contact the Eldercare Locator services toll free at 1-800-677-1116. This toll free hotline provides you with resources and referrals in your local area of agencies that specialize in handling cases pertaining to neglect or the ill-treatment of the elderly.