General Information
Types of Elder Abuse/Neglect
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Help/Reporting Abuse
Elder Abuse Resources
General Information
Understanding Elder Abuse
Elder abuse can take many forms—from financial and emotional to physical and sexual. It is under-recognized in our society because relatively few cases are
identified, and abusers are often individuals the victim knows and trusts. As an older adult, it is critical that you understand what elder abuse is and how to
report it if you or someone you know is a victim. The resources on this page can help you locate information and contacts that deal with this type of abuse.
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:
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
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Hotline |
1-800-490-8505 (calls answered 24 hours/day) |
Phone:
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717-783-1550
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Website:
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http://www.aging.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/abuse_or_crime/17992
a=291&Q=173897&agingNavDLTEST=|4364|4425|
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Description:
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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. |
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Administration on Aging
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Website:
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http://www.aoa.gov
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Description:
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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.
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National Center on Elder Abuse |
Website:
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http://www.ncea.aoa.gov
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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.
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National Committee for Prevention of Elder
Abuse (NCPEA)
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Website:
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http://www.preventelderabuse.org
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Description:
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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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