Elder Abuse
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Abuse can happen to anyone—no matter the person's age, sex, race, religion, or ethnic or cultural background. Each year, hundreds of thousands of adults over the age of 60 are abused, neglected, or financially exploited. This is called elder abuse. Abuse can happen in many places, including the older person's home, a family member's house, an assisted living facility, or a nursing home. The following resources provide an overview of elder abuse and what you can do if you feel that you're being abuse:
Elder Abuse and Neglect In Search of Solutions: As the population of older Americans grows, so does the hidden problem of elder abuse, exploitation and neglect. Information from the American Psychological Association.
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Preventing Elder Abuse and Neglect in Older Adults: Elder abuse is widespread and impacts everyone in our society. Information from HealthinAging.org​
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Elder Abuse and Neglect - Spotting the Warning Signs and Getting Help: Elder abuse includes physical, emotional, or sexual harm inflicted upon an older adult, their financial exploitation, or neglect of their welfare by people who are directly responsible for their care. In the U.S. alone, more than half a million reports of elder abuse reach authorities every year, and millions more cases go unreported. In-depth Information from HelpGuide.org
Elder Abuse Overview: Abuse can happen to any older person, but often affects those who depend on others for help with activities of everyday life. Information from the National Institute on Aging.
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Elder Abuse FAQs: While we don’t know all of the details about why abuse occurs or how to stop its spread, we do know that help is available for victims. Information from National Center on Elder Abuse.
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Find Help or Report Abuse: It's not always easy to recognize abuse when it happens to you or someone you care for. Learn about the types of abuse and what you can do if you are a victim of physical abuse, psychological abuse, financial exploitation, neglect and abandonment, or sexual abuse. A resource from the US Department of Justice.
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Every person—no matter how young or how old—deserves to be safe from harm by those who live with them, care for them, or come in day-to-day contact with them. If you feel that you are a victim of elder abuse, the following local resources may be able to help you:
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For an emergency or life-threatening situation that must be dealt with immediately, call 911
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In Massachusetts: Anyone sixty years of age or older living in the community who has suffered harm from a family member, friend, neighbor, or caretaker is protected under the law. The law also protects elders who are self-neglecting.
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Massachusetts Elder Abuse Hotline: Report suspected elder abuse anytime day or night at 800-922-2275.
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​File a report online at Massachusetts Elder Protective Services.
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Contact Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands, a private, non-profit community-based organization dedicated to serving older adults. The organization's programs includes protective services. Elder Services is the designated Cape Cod Agency that responds to the Elder Abuse Hotline (800-922-2275). For general information and referral call 508-394-4630.
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You also can seek help from the Falmouth Police Department at 750 Main Street in Falmouth. Tel: 774-255-4527
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Discuss your concerns with your primary care physician.
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