General Information
Types of Elder Abuse/Neglect
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Help/Reporting Abuse
Elder Abuse Resources

General Information

National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA)
The National Center on Elder Abuse provides basic information and fact sheets on elder abuse and neglect with the goal of enhancing understanding, awareness, reporting and prevention of the violation of the rights of older adults. Supported by the US Administration on Aging, the NCEA also offers the latest statistics and legislation as well as links to other useful resources.

Ask the Experts
Ask the Experts, provided by the National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (NCPEA), offers older adults and caregivers an opportunity to ask questions concerning elder abuse and neglect and receive answers from experts on elder abuse prevention.

Getting Help/Reporting Abuse

The Pennsylvania Department of Aging Protective Services investigates cases of suspected elder abuse. Any individual that believes an older adult is being abused, neglected, exploited, or abandoned should:

• Call 911, the police, or hospital emergency room if they believe the individual needs immediate protection.
• Call the state-wide toll-free Elder Abuse Hot Line at 800-490-8505
• Or, file a report with the Pennsylvania Association of Area Agencies on Aging.

Anyone can report elder abuse. Because elder abuse can occur anywhere, including at home or in a nursing care home, the person reporting the abuse has legal protection from retaliation, discrimination, and civil or criminal prosecution.

In confirmed cases of elder abuse, the Department of Aging undertakes ongoing case management services in regard to financial management, court-ordered interventions, and guardianship determination.