Frequently Asked Questions

In general, elder abuse is a term referring to any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to an older adult. Legislatures in all 50 states have passed some form of elder abuse prevention laws. Laws and definitions of elder abuse vary by state, but broadly defined; they may include:

Physical	Intentional use of physical force that results in illness, injury, pain or functional impairment
Sexual	Non-consensual sexual contact of any kind
Neglect	Caregivers or other responsible parties failing to provide food, shelter, health care, or protection
Financial	Misappropriation of an older person's money or property
Emotional	Inflicting mental pain, anguish, or distress on a person
Self-neglect	A person who fails to perform self-care tasks such that it threatens his/her own health or safety

While one sign does not necessarily indicate abuse, some tell-tale signs that indicate abuse are:

Physical	Bruises, pressure marks or sores, broken bones, abrasions, and burns
Sexual	Bruises or injury to the genital area which may present as difficulty moving or sitting
Emotional	Withdrawal from normal activities, anxiety, depression, unusual behavior, or unease
Neglect	Bedsores, unattended medical needs, poor hygiene, and unusual weight loss
Financial	Uncharacteristic purchases by the individual or caregiver; failure to pay bills or keep appointments; questionable behavior

If you suspect any type of abuse, you should contact the appropriate authority referenced below. You do not need to prove that abuse is occurring. The professionals will investigate claims of elder mistreatment. 

Law Enforcement

If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or the local police.

Adult Protective Services

If the danger is not imminent, report concerns to the local Adult Protective Services (APS) agency.
Find the APS reporting number for each state by visiting our State Resources section.

Long Term Care Ombudsman

If you suspect abuse of a person living in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or board and care home contact the local Long Term Care Ombudsman. Find your local Long-Term Care Ombudsman.  

Professionals required by state law to report suspected abuse during the performance of their duties.
See the EAGLE State Mandated Reporting page for your state's specific statutes on mandated reporters.

When making the call, be ready to give the older adult's name, address, contact information, and details about why you are concerned. You may be asked a series of questions to provide authorities with information regarding the situation.
Questions may include:

If APS decides the situation may violate state elder abuse laws, it assigns a caseworker to conduct an investigation (in cases of an emergency, usually within 24 hours).
If the victim needs crisis intervention, they will direct to the appropriate services and enforcement.
If elder abuse is not substantiated, most APS agencies will work as necessary with other community agencies to obtain social and health services that the older person needs.

The Adult Protective Services (APS) provide social services to ensure the safety and well-being of elders and adults with disabilities. Interventions provided by APS include, but are not limited to:
Receiving reports of adult abuse
Exploitation or neglect
Investigating these reports
Case planning, monitoring, and evaluation;
Assistance arranging for supportive services.

It is important to remember that the older person has the right to refuse services offered by APS. The APS agency provides service only if the senior agrees or has been declared incapacitated by the court, and a guardian has been appointed. The APS agency only takes such action as a last resort.

Adult Protective Services and Law Enforcement. Find the APS reporting number for each state by visiting our State Resources section or contact your local law enforcement.

A combination of psychological, social, and economic factors, along with the mental and physical conditions of the victim and the perpetrator, contribute to the occurrence of elder maltreatment. The main risks are related to 
Social isolation
Lack of access support and resources
Physical, mental, or emotional dependence

Contributing factors may include

Elder abuse laws vary by state. Some states have increased penalties for those who victimize older adults. Law enforcement officers and prosecutors are trained to investigate elder abuse and how to use criminal and civil laws to bring abusers to justice. To learn about laws related to elder abuse, use the Elder Abuse Guide for Law Enforcement (EAGLE) webpage.

Most cases of elder abuse are perpetrated by known and trusted others. This includes family members, friends, service providers, peers, and strangers. Abusers can be men or women, of any age, race, or socioeconomic status. Con artists and scammers may target the elderly through schemes such as: romance scams, fake contests, and impersonating family members or officials. 

Research indicates that one in ten older people living independently in the community are affected by abuse in the United States. Elder abuse impacts communities on many levels, from public health to civic participation to economic resources. Visit our Statistics/Data section for information about the incidence and prevalence of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Long-Term Care Ombudsman can help you understand and compare local options. Nursing Home Compare is a federal website that rates and allows you to evaluate Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing homes in your area. CMS also provides information on alternatives to nursing home care.

Register your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry by visiting www.DoNotCall.gov or call 888-382-1222.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers information and tools for older Americans. The Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force offers resources and reports to help protect yourself against common types of frauds and scams. Stay alert to common frauds and scams by checking consumer protection sites such as Fraud.org and FBI Common Fraud Schemes.

Being vigilant and aware of the risk factors and signs of elder abuse is the key to prevention. Our Signs of Elder Abuse fact sheet is a great place to start.

Social isolation is one of the main risk factors in elder abuse. Stay connected with older adults and do what you can to connect them with communities and others.

Long-term care ombudsmen are advocates for residents of nursing homes, board and care homes, and assisted living facilities. Ombudsmen provide information about how to find a facility and what to do to get quality care. Call the Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116 for information and referrals on services in your area.

You should contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman serving the nursing home where your loved one is residing. Long-Term Care Ombudsmen are professionals who advocate on behalf of residents of long-term care facilities and help to resolve complaints about issues of care.

The Ombudsman will help you understand the situation, and if a formal complaint is warranted, they can advise your loved one on how to proceed. To learn more about the quality and environment of individual nursing homes in your area, visit Nursing Home Compare, a site which provides detailed information about Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing homes in the United States.