You may feel reluctant to talk about abuse if the person responsible is your caregiver. You may worry about losing the care you need, causing trouble for a family member, or discussing what you believe is a private matter. If you have been the victim of fraud, you may feel embarrassed or fear that others will question your ability to live independently. These are common feelings that can make it difficult to seek help.
If you want help or simply want to talk about what is happening to you or someone you care about, call the PA Department of Aging Helpline at 1-800-490-8505. You can also contact your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA), where trained staff can answer questions, connect you with services, and determine whether protective services may be needed. If you are in immediate danger or have been the victim of a crime, call 911 for assistance.
Types of Elder Abuse
Physical abuse occurs when a caregiver or another person uses force that causes unnecessary pain, injury, or harm to an older adult. Even if the person believes they are helping, the behavior may still be considered abuse.
Physical abuse includes, but is not limited to, hitting, beating, pushing, shoving, kicking, pinching, burning, biting, and choking. It also includes the improper use of medications or physical restraints, as well as any form of physical punishment.
Verbal, emotional, or psychological abuse includes behaviors that cause emotional pain, fear, or distress to an older adult. Examples include yelling, swearing, making threats, using insulting or disrespectful language, or repeatedly ignoring the person.
Psychological abuse also includes controlling, coercive, or threatening behavior that creates an unfair power imbalance between the older adult and a family member or caregiver. Other examples include treating the older adult like a child or isolating them from family, friends, and regular activities.
Sexual abuse includes any unwanted sexual contact, behavior, or activity involving an older adult. Examples include inappropriate touching, taking photographs of the person in sexually suggestive poses, forcing them to view pornography, or engaging in any other unwanted sexual behavior.
Financial abuse and exploitation happen when someone steals or misuses an older person's money. This can range from small scams to major crimes like stealing their entire savings. Examples include forging checks, taking their retirement or Social Security benefits, or using their credit cards and bank accounts without permission. It also includes changing names on a will, bank account, life insurance policy, or house deed without their consent.
Financial abuse and exploitation happen when someone steals or misuses an older person's money. This can range from small scams to major crimes like stealing their entire savings. Examples include forging checks, taking their retirement or Social Security benefits, or using their credit cards and bank accounts without permission. It also includes changing names on a will, bank account, life insurance policy, or house deed without their consent.
Protective Services
Protective services are resources and support given to older adults under a law called the Older Adults Protective Services Act. These services include legal help, personal care, money management, emergency shelter, and assistance with meals or transportation. Your local Area Agency on Aging can also teach you how to prevent fraud, abuse, and neglect. If you suspect elder abuse, call the Department of Aging Hotline at 800-490-8505 for a free, confidential call. You can also get free support and counseling from an advocate at a local Victim Service Program, even if you choose not to report the crime to the police.
As an older victim of crime, you have the exact same legal rights as any other victim in the court system. You may also qualify for cash reimbursement to help pay for any out-of-pocket expenses caused by the crime. To learn how to file a claim, you can visit the "Apply for Victims' Compensation | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania" page or call the Victims Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP) at 1-800-233-2339.