What to do in an emergency vs. non-emergency situation
When you suspect an elderly person is in danger, your first step depends on the urgency of the situation. In life-threatening circumstances, the immediate priority is to ensure the individual's safety. For concerns that are not an immediate crisis, other resources are available for investigation and support.
- Immediate Danger: If the elderly person is in immediate, life-threatening danger, call 9-1-1 or your local police department immediately. This applies to situations involving severe physical harm, medical emergencies, or a person being actively threatened.
- Non-Emergency Concerns: For concerns like suspected neglect, financial exploitation, or emotional abuse that are not a present emergency, you should contact Adult Protective Services (APS) or the Eldercare Locator. These resources are equipped to investigate and connect you to the necessary services.
Your first point of contact: The Eldercare Locator
For a centralized, reliable starting point, the Eldercare Locator is a public service of the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL) that connects you to local services. This is a critical resource when figuring out who to contact when worried about an elderly person free of charge.
How to use the Eldercare Locator:
- By Phone: Call 1-800-677-1116. Trained staff can help you identify the appropriate local agencies to address your specific concerns.
- Online: Visit the Eldercare Locator website and use the search tool to find services in any U.S. community.
- Scope: It can refer you to services related to in-home help, transportation, nutrition, caregiver support, and protective services.
Adult Protective Services (APS): The primary investigative body
Adult Protective Services is the principal public agency responsible for investigating reported cases of elder abuse, neglect, exploitation, and self-neglect. The services they provide are free, and reports can often be made anonymously.
Common issues APS addresses:
- Neglect: The failure of a caregiver to provide basic care, such as food, water, clothing, or shelter, or a vulnerable adult's inability to provide these things for themselves (self-neglect).
- Physical Abuse: The use of physical force that may result in bodily injury, pain, or impairment.
- Financial Exploitation: The illegal or improper use of an older person's funds, property, or assets.
- Emotional Abuse: Inflicting mental pain, anguish, or distress through verbal or nonverbal acts.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman: Advocates for residents
If your concerns are about an elderly person living in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or other long-term care facility, a Long-Term Care Ombudsman is the appropriate contact. This program is specifically designed to advocate for the rights of facility residents.
What an Ombudsman does:
- Investigates and resolves complaints made by or on behalf of residents.
- Provides information about residents' rights.
- Works to improve the quality of care in facilities.
Comparing key resources for worried individuals
Resource | Primary Focus | Best For | Confidentiality |
---|---|---|---|
9-1-1 / Police | Immediate emergency response | Life-threatening situations (active harm, medical emergency) | Varies; follow standard procedures for reporting |
Adult Protective Services (APS) | Investigating abuse, neglect, exploitation, and self-neglect | Non-emergency reports of suspected maltreatment of an elder | Reports can often be made anonymously by phone |
Eldercare Locator | Connecting individuals to local services for older adults | Getting started and finding the right local agency for any concern | Information is confidential |
Long-Term Care Ombudsman | Advocating for residents of long-term care facilities | Concerns specifically about an individual in a nursing home or similar facility | Residents' identities are protected |
Knowing the warning signs of elder abuse
Identifying the warning signs is crucial for knowing when to seek help. No single sign is definitive, but a combination of factors can indicate a problem. The Department of Justice lists several red flags across different categories of abuse.
Signs of physical abuse or neglect:
- Bruises, welts, lacerations, or bone fractures
- Untreated injuries in various stages of healing
- Poor personal hygiene, such as unkempt appearance or untreated bed sores
- Dehydration or malnutrition
- Hazardous or unsanitary living conditions
Signs of emotional abuse:
- Being emotionally withdrawn, non-communicative, or non-responsive
- Changes in personality, such as becoming apologetic or agitated
- Caregiver controlling or isolating the older adult
Signs of financial exploitation:
- Sudden, unexplained changes in bank accounts or financial documents
- The sudden appearance of previously uninvolved relatives claiming rights to property
- Unpaid bills despite adequate financial resources
What happens after you report a concern?
After you make a report, the appropriate agency will screen the information. If it suggests a violation of state elder abuse laws, a caseworker will be assigned to investigate. For emergencies, this can happen within 24 hours. The caseworker will assess the situation and, if abuse is substantiated, will work with the older adult to create a plan to reduce the risk. It's important to remember that if the older adult has the mental capacity to make their own decisions, they have the right to refuse services, though APS will still offer help and information.
Conclusion: Free help is available and accessible
When you are worried about an elderly person, free and confidential help is readily available. Whether it's an immediate crisis or a long-term concern about their living situation, health, or finances, official agencies are in place to investigate and provide support. The Eldercare Locator is the best starting point, connecting you to the specialized resources you need, from Adult Protective Services for in-home concerns to the Long-Term Care Ombudsman for facility issues. Your call can make a critical difference in ensuring a vulnerable adult's safety and well-being.
Additional resources for specific needs
- Legal Aid: Organizations funded by the Older Americans Act provide free legal services for certain civil issues to those 60 and older. The Eldercare Locator can help find these local programs.
- Condition-Specific Support: Non-profit organizations like the Alzheimer's Association or the National Council on Aging can offer resources, support groups, and advice tailored to specific health conditions.