Elder Abuse Reporting & Support Systems

There are several resources available to help educate caregivers on how to identify and respond to elder abuse, both on local and federal levels. Recognizing elder abuse early can make a huge difference in preventing further harm and ensuring that older adults receive the care and protection they need. Here are a few key resources:

National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA)

The NCEA offers a variety of materials on elder abuse, including fact sheets, training programs and guides for caregivers. They focus on educating caregivers about the different types of abuse (physical, emotional, financial, neglect, and sexual abuse) and how to recognize warning signs.

• Website: https://ncea.acl.gov

ElderCare Locator

This is a public service provided by the U.S. Administration on Aging. It can help caregivers find local resources, including agencies that can provide education on elder abuse prevention and intervention.

• Website: https://eldercare.acl.gov

AARP’s Resources for Caregivers

AARP offers a variety of resources aimed at supporting family caregivers. Their content includes information on how to identify and report elder abuse, as well as strategies for preventing abuse.

• Website: https://www.aarp.org/caregiving

The National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA)

NAPSA provides training programs, webinars, and resources specifically geared toward adult protective services workers, but they also offer guidance for caregivers to help them understand elder abuse.

• Website: https://www.napsa-now.org/abuse/

The Eldercare Workforce Alliance (EWA)

The EWA works to improve the quality of care for older adults and provides resources for caregivers, including information on recognizing and preventing elder abuse.

• Website: https://www.eldercareworkforce.org

The National Institute on Aging (NIA)

NIA provides research-based information about elder abuse and how caregivers can address it. They have an entire section dedicated to preventing elder abuse, which includes guidance for recognizing physical, emotional, and financial abuse.

• Website: https://www.nia.nih.gov

Local Adult Protective Services (APS)

• APS agencies in many states provide educational materials and can sometimes offer workshops or seminars for caregivers. APS is also the agency responsible for investigating elder abuse and neglect, and they can offer support for caregivers dealing with difficult situations

You can check for potential reports of elder abuse at assisted living, nursing homes, and memory care facilities by making use of state resources, public databases and forums, or on-site evaluations. Although it can be a time-consuming process, it is vital to check multiple platforms and sources for potential reports to determine if these potential facilities have consistently positive or negative ratings. We recommend checking at least five platforms or databases, including those which allow friends or family members to submit their own rating and review. 

Medicare’s Care Compare tool can be an excellent source of information for ratings provided for nursing homes, home health services, hospices, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, and more. By searching for the facility name or location, you can learn more about its inspection results, rating, and overall staffing. The tool also provides information about quality measures, known violations, and health inspection scores to help you make an informed decision. 

Since some reports may not be documented in national databases, you should also check your state health department’s website. You can search for inspection reports specific to the type of facility you are investigating for your loved one. State health department websites typically include information about complaints, safety violations, health violations, and compliance concerns. 

ProPublica’s Nursing Home Inspect is another reliable option worth consideration. ProPublica nonprofit independent newsroom that compiles violation data, deficiencies, repeat offenses, and more. A history of fines, repeat offenses, or patterns of abuse can be reflective of a facility that will provide inconsistent care that could be detrimental to your loved one’s overall health and safety. 

Most states have a Long-Term Care Ombudsman program that provides advocacy for patients. These programs also help families check complaints and inspection reports for facilities. Working with an ombudsman is helpful not only because they can provide context beyond the reports in public records, but also because they can help you file a complaint if you suspect elder abuse is occurring at your loved one’s current facility. 

If you suspect that elder abuse may be occurring at the facility where your loved one currently resides, there is additional action you can take. You can make unannounced visits to the facility to check staff responsiveness, resident engagement, cleanliness, and other indicators in instances where the staff doesn’t expect you to visit your loved one that day. You can also ask about turnover rates at the facility. If you find any evidence of abuse, document it and contact the ombudsman, Adult Protective Services, and the National Center on Elder Abuse for additional guidance.

Sources

“Find and compare providers near you.” Medicare. https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/?providerType=NursingHome  

“How to Check Nursing Home Violations”. Nursing Home Law Center. https://www.nursinghomelawcenter.org/news/how-to-check-nursing-home-violations/ 

“Nursing Home Inspect”. ProPublica. https://projects.propublica.org/nursing-homes/ 

“How to Verify a Nursing Home’s Safety Record Before Choosing One”. Hughey Law Firm. https://www.hugheylawfirm.com/how-to-verify-a-nursing-homes-safety-record-before-choosing-one/ 

Adult Protective Services (APS) is a social service available in all states that’s designed to protect vulnerable adults who may be at risk of abuse, exploitation or neglect (from self or others). This typically includes individuals aged 18 and older who may have physical or mental impairments that affect their ability to care for themselves or make informed decisions, though in some states APS works only with the elderly. APS services generally involve investigating reports of mistreatment, assessing the needs of an individual, and providing necessary interventions to ensure their safety and well-being. The program aims to help adults live independently while preserving their rights and dignity.

APS operates in many jurisdictions, oftentimes as part of a broader social services framework. If an adult is determined to be experiencing abuse, APS may collaborate with law enforcement, healthcare providers and community organizations to offer support and resources. Depending on the case, APS may facilitate services such as counseling, financial assistance, legal aid, access to healthcare, delivered meals or emergency interventions. A victim does have the right to refuse APS interventions — and in cases where an adult is deemed unable to make sound decisions, APS may go through the legal process of appointing a conservator or guardian for the person. The focus of APS is on immediate safety as well as long-term solutions that help prevent future harm. 

Sources

“What Is Adult Protective Services?” Department of Justice. https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice/media/1136406/dl?inline=

Calling to report elder abuse will result in a structured response from the authorities that you have contacted. Who will investigate can depend on the setting where the abuse is taking place. Generally, the primary investigators and settings include: 

• Adult Protective Services (APS) if abuse occurs within a private residence 
• Long-term Care Ombudsman if abuse occurs in a nursing home or assisted living 

These investigators usually won’t provide any real-time updates about the progression of the case, but they may contact you for additional information or clarification. It is worth noting that local law enforcement or the FBI may also join the investigation depending on any additional crimes that are associated with the abuse. When you contact the authorities, be prepared to provide the following details: 

• Victim’s name and location 
• Victim’s health status 
• Suspected abuse type and details about what happened 
• Abuser’s identity and details if known 
• Safety risks 

During the investigation, the victim and any witnesses may be interviewed privately. These interviews are conducted without the suspected abuser present to avoid the risk of intimidation. If abuse is confirmed, it may result in criminal charges for the abusers, civil lawsuits for compensation, or additional monitoring at the facilities in question. If false reports of abuse have been submitted, these may result in misdemeanor charges. Outcomes can vary depending on your jurisdiction, victim cooperation, and evidence of abuse.

Sources

“Report Concerns Involving Vulnerable Adults”. Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. https://www.dshs.wa.gov/altsa/home-and-community-services/report-concerns-involving-vulnerable-adults 

“What Happens When You Report Someone for Elder Abuse?” Peck Law Corp. https://www.pecklawcorp.com/blog/what-happens-when-you-report-someone-for-elder-abuse-in-california 

“How Long Does an Elder ABuse Investigation Take?” Susan Kang Gordon Law. https://skg-law.com/blog/how-long-does-elder-abuse-investigation-take 

“Elder Abuse: How to Spot Warning Signs, Get Help, and Report Mistreatment”. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/topics/aging-older-adults/elder-abuse 

“How Do I Report Elder Abuse or Abuse of an Older Person or Senior?” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.hhs.gov/answers/programs-for-families-and-children/how-do-i-report-elder-abuse/index.html 

Specialized resources for safety, intervention, and justice are available to victims of elder abuse. Victims who are at risk of life-threatening danger due to abuse should always contact 911 for immediate response. In circumstances that are not life-threatening, the following resources can be contacted instead. 

The National Elder Fraud Hotline is operated by the Department of Justice for Victims of Crime. It provides personalized case management, connects victims of elder fraud to law enforcement, and also helps freeze stolen funds. The hotline provides support to those who are age 60 or older if they have been victims of financial fraud. Case managers at the hotline can help identify reporting agencies in addition to providing referrals and other resources. 

The Eldercare Locator is an option that can help connect victims to services for themselves and their families. This tool provides access to local resources that may help with legal aid, counseling, and many other valuable services. Depending on location, many of these services offer multilingual support. 

Adult Protective Services (APS) is a resource that can be used if there are concerns about elder abuse in private homes. Adult Protective Services can assess and determine the needs of victims. It is important to note that response times for APS can vary by state. For those who are in nursing homes or assisted living facilities, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is another option. The ombudsman provides support through advocacy, mediation, and overall facility oversight. 

Financial scams should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Although the FTC cannot resolve individual reports of fraud, these reports are used for further investigation. The FTC also uses reports to establish cases against scams, bad business practices, and fraud. Legal aid networks can also be of help, such as the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. Many of these legal aid networks provide pro bono support with restitution, estate recovery, and restraining orders. 

There are also therapeutic and community support resources available to those who may need them. Options such as the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) host training webinars and provide multilingual toolkits regarding safety planning, signs of abuse, and other important topics relevant to elder abuse. Abuse Later in Life Programs are another resource which can help fund services for victims such as support groups, counseling, and emergency housing. Finally, multidisciplinary teams comprised of medical staff, social workers, and law enforcement can aid in coordinating victim-centered responses. These teams can be located on the Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Network Map. 

Sources 

“2025 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Announcement”. United States Attorney’s Office of the District of Montana. https://www.justice.gov/usao-mt/pr/2025-world-elder-abuse-awareness-day-announcement 

“Elder Fraud & Abuse – Related Resources”. Office for Victims of Crime. https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/elder-fraud-abuse/related-resources 

“Eldercare Locator”. HHS Administration for Community Living. https://eldercare.acl.gov/home 

“Elder Justice Neighborhood Resources”. U.S. Department of Justice. https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice/support/resources-neighborhood 

“Report Fraud”. Federal Trade Commission. https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/ 

“Abuse in Later Life Program”. Office on Violence Against Women (OVW). https://www.justice.gov/ovw/abuse-later-life-program 

“Elder Justice Network Locator Map”. U.S. Department of Justice. https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice/elder-justice-network-locator-map

“World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2025: How Can Each of Us Make a Difference?” National Association of Social Workers. https://www.socialworkers.org/Practice/Tips-and-Tools-for-Social-Workers/World-Elder-Abuse-Awareness-Day-2025-How-Can-Each-of-Us-Make-a-Difference 

“Resources”. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/elder-abuse/communication-resources/index.html 

“Get the Facts on Elder Abuse”. National Council on Aging. https://www.ncoa.org/article/get-the-facts-on-elder-abuse/ 

The process for reporting elder abuse may vary depending where you live, but each state has an Adult Protective Services (APS) office responsible for investigating reports, and you can contact them online or via phone. The National Adult Protective Services Association has state-specific information, including websites and phone numbers. After filing your report with the local APS office, they will assess the situation and take appropriate action. 

If you suspect abuse in a long-term care facility, like a nursing home, assisted-living facility, or other adult care home, you should report it to your state’s licensing agency — this is done by contacting a long-term care ombudsman via The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care. 

If you believe the elder is in immediate danger, call 911 immediately.

Provide as much information as possible

When making a report, try to provide as much detailed information as you can, including:

• The elder’s name, age, and location
• The nature of the abuse or neglect
• Any specific incidents or patterns of behavior you’ve observed
• Information about the suspected abuser (if known)
• Evidence or documentation (if available)

Key resources and contact information

• Elder Abuse Hotline: 1-800-677-1116 (via ElderCare Locator)
• National Center on Elder Abuse 
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), online chat, or text START to 88788 if the abuse involves domestic violence

Sources

“Get Help in Your Area”. National Adult Protective Services Association. https://www.napsa-now.org/help-in-your-area/

“Get Help”. National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care. https://theconsumervoice.org/get-help/

If you suspect elder abuse — which encompasses physical, emotional and sexual abuse, as well as confinement, neglect/deprivation, and financial exploitation — there are several actions you can take to ensure the safety and well-being of the person involved. These vary depending on the severity of the situation, as well as the access you have to the elderly person. If you’re concerned the abuser is a caretaker, family member, or friend who is constantly present, arrange a time where you can be alone with the elderly person so they can speak freely to help you understand the situation. Be sensitive, respectful, and direct in your approach. Offer support as you can, and determine the appropriate course of action.

Should you suspect elder abuse is happening, here are some steps you can take:

1. Ensure Immediate Safety: If you believe the elder is in immediate danger, contact emergency services (911) right away.
2. Report the Abuse: Each region has specific agencies responsible for handling elder abuse. You can report your concerns to:
   • Adult Protective Services (APS): In the U.S., APS is typically responsible for investigating reports of elder abuse. You can find local APS resources through the National Adult Protective Services Association.
   • Law Enforcement: In some cases, contacting local police may be appropriate, especially if there is evidence of criminal activity. Contact information for local police departments is available at PoliceLocator.com. 
3. Document Your Observations: If possible, keep detailed notes about the signs of abuse you’ve observed, including dates, times, and specific incidents. This information can be crucial for investigations.
4. Contact Advocacy Organizations: Organizations like the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) can provide guidance and resources for handling elder abuse cases. The NCEA also has a resource page for suspected elder abuse.
5. Contact a Long-Term Care Ombudsman: If the suspected abuse is happening in a long-term care facility like a nursing home, assisted-living facility, or other adult care home, The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care has a directory of local long-term care ombudsmen who are able to investigate abuse allegations, help resolve issues, and advocate for the long-term care resident.
6. Seek Legal Advice: In some cases, it may be beneficial to consult with an attorney who specializes in elder law to understand the legal options available.
7. Support and Follow Up: Provide emotional support and follow up with the elderly person to ensure that their needs are being met and that they’re safe.

Addressing elder abuse can be complex and requires careful consideration to protect the vulnerable person. If in doubt, seeking advice from professionals and advocacy groups is always a good first step.

Sources

“Get the Facts on Elder Abuse”. National Council on Aging. https://www.ncoa.org/article/get-the-facts-on-elder-abuse/

“Get Help”. The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care. https://theconsumervoice.org/get-help/