Older Adults

Elder Abuse/Neglect

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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.

Types of Elder Abuse/Neglect

The Basics: Major Types of Elder Abuse
National Center on Elder Abuse


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

The National Center on Elder Abuse compiled the FAQ’s on Elder Abuse to provide answers to some of the commonly asked questions related to elder abuse.


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.


Elder Abuse Resources

Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA)
555 Walnut Street, 5th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1919

Hotline

1-800-490-8505 (calls answered 24 hours/day)

Phone:

717-783-1550

Website:

http://www.aging.state.pa.us/aging/cwp/view.asp?
a=291&Q=173897&agingNavDLTEST=|4364|4425|

Description:

Any person may call the statewide-elder abuse hotline or contact the local Area Agency on Aging to file a report of elder abuse or neglect. Callers may remain anonymous. The Area Agency on Aging investigates every report of abuse or neglect.

The state’s Department of Aging serves as an advocate at all levels of government for the interests of older Pennsylvanians. The department works hand-in-hand with the Governor's Office and the General Assembly on legislation. It also handles state coordination and planning for elderly initiatives in Pennsylvania, including long-term care programs for the frail and chronically ill. PDA programs and services empower older adults and their families to make choices for themselves. Most of these services are provided by the state’s 52 Area Agencies on Aging (AAA).

   

Administration on Aging

Website:

http://www.aoa.gov/

Description:

The Administration on Aging (AAA) provides generally accepted definitions, information on how to report abuse, and a summary of the AAA’s role and other useful resources.

   

National Center on Elder Abuse

Website:

http://www.elderabusecenter.org/

Description:

The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) 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.

   

National Committee for Prevention of Elder Abuse (NCPEA)

Website:

http://www.preventelderabuse.org

Description:

The NCPEA, a partner of the National Center on Elder Abuse, conducts research on the causes of elder abuse and neglect, coordinates public and professional awareness campaigns and prevention efforts, and advocates for the rights and protection of older adults.

   

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