Elder Abuse Resources
According to the best available estimates, between one and two million Americans age 65 or older have been injured, exploited, or otherwise mistreated by someone on whom they depended for care or protection.

It is estimated that for every one case of elder abuse, neglect, exploitation, or self-neglect reported to authorities, about five more go unreported.

This rising problem requires individual intervention to help prevent further tragedies. Following are some resources that can help you find ways to identify instances of elder abuse and help report and prevent it.

National Center on Elder Abuse
http://www.ncea.aoa.gov/ncearoot/Main_Site/index.aspx
The National Center on Elder Abuse is a gateway to resources on elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Adult Protective Services (APS)
To report elder abuse, contact APS through your state's hotline. To find that number, click here.

The APS agency screens calls for potential seriousness, and it keeps the information it receives confidential. If the agency decides the situation possibly violates 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, services are available. If elder abuse is not substantiated, most APS agencies will work as necessary with other community agencies to obtain any social and health services that the older person needs.

Administration on Aging (AoA)
http://www.aoa.gov
The AoA has a long-standing commitment to addressing elder mistreatment, and to protecting the dignity, rights, and financial security of older people.



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