Elder abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual or financial, and neglect is also common. Many cases go unreported. Knowing where to turn can protect an older adult and help hold wrongdoers accountable.
Common signs
- Unexplained injuries, bruises or bedsores.
- Sudden changes in mood, fear or withdrawal.
- Poor hygiene, weight loss or untreated medical needs.
- Unusual bank activity, missing belongings or new names on accounts.
- Isolation from family or controlling behavior by a caregiver.
Where to report
- If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
- Contact your state's Adult Protective Services, which investigates abuse, neglect and exploitation of vulnerable adults.
- For abuse in a nursing home or assisted living facility, contact the long-term care ombudsman and the state licensing agency.
- Report financial crimes to police and the bank or financial institution involved.
- Contact the state attorney general or elder abuse hotline if available.
What happens after a report
Adult Protective Services assesses the situation and may arrange services, safety planning or referrals to law enforcement. Many states protect people who report in good faith, and some require certain professionals to report. Reports can often be made confidentially.
Legal protections
Courts may issue protective orders, appoint a guardian or conservator in serious cases, or freeze accounts. Criminal charges may be brought for abuse and theft. Civil claims may recover losses and damages. A lawyer can explain options.
Financial exploitation
Exploitation by family members, caregivers or scammers is common. Act quickly: contact the bank, place credit freezes, review powers of attorney and consider revoking them if misused. Gather statements and records to support a report. See our guides on elder financial abuse and revoking a power of attorney.
Supporting the older adult
Respect the person's wishes and dignity. Capable adults may refuse services, and responders balance safety with autonomy. Offer emotional support, safe contact and help with practical steps.
Preventing abuse
Stay connected, visit regularly, review account activity, use trusted professionals and set up alerts. Plan ahead with durable powers of attorney that include safeguards and a trusted backup agent.
Real-life scenarios
- A niece notices missing money and reports to Adult Protective Services and the bank.
- A family reports bruising at a care facility to the ombudsman and the state agency.
- A daughter revokes a power of attorney after discovering misuse.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting to see if things improve.
- Confronting the abuser alone.
- Not documenting evidence.
- Assuming reporting is unwelcome or impossible.
- Leaving powers of attorney in place after misuse.
- Ignoring financial warning signs.
Questions to ask a professional
- Which agency handles this situation?
- Is the person in immediate danger?
- Can accounts be protected?
- Do we need a protective order or guardian?
- What civil remedies exist?
A practical action plan
- Ensure immediate safety.
- Report to the right agency.
- Document signs and records.
- Secure finances.
- Consult an elder law attorney.
Terms you may hear
- Adult Protective Services: a state agency investigating abuse of vulnerable adults.
- Ombudsman: an advocate for long-term care residents.
- Exploitation: improper use of an older person's resources.
- Protective order: a court order limiting contact.
- Guardianship: court-appointed decision-making authority.
What to tell the investigator
Provide the older person's name, address and contact information, a description of what you saw, when it occurred, who may be responsible and any witnesses. Share documents such as bank statements, photographs and medical notes. If you are unsure about details, report anyway and explain what you observed.
Safety planning
If the older person lives with the suspected abuser, ask investigators about safe alternatives, emergency shelter and protective services. Consider quietly arranging regular check-ins by trusted people and keeping important documents, medications and a phone accessible.
Following up
Ask for a case number and the name of the investigator, and follow up if you do not hear back. If the response seems inadequate, contact a supervisor, the state elder abuse hotline or the long-term care ombudsman, and consider consulting an elder law attorney.
Frequently asked questions
Can I report anonymously?
Often yes, though policies vary.
Who investigates elder abuse?
Adult Protective Services, police and, for facilities, the ombudsman and licensing agency.
Do I need proof to report?
No, a reasonable concern is enough.
Can the older adult refuse help?
Capable adults may refuse services.
Can we recover stolen money?
Sometimes through criminal restitution, civil claims or bank procedures.