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  3. What If I Suspect Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation?

What If I Suspect Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation?

Whom do I call if I suspect abuse?

If someone is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1 or the local police. If the danger is not immediate, but you suspect that abuse has occurred or is occurring, please tell someone. To report a concern, contact the Adult Protective Services (APS) agency in the state where the older adult resides. Find the APS reporting number for each state by visiting:

If you have been the victim of abuse, exploitation, or neglect, you are not alone. Many people care and can help. Please tell your doctor, a friend, or a family member you trust, or call the Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116. Specially trained operators will refer you to a local agency that can help. The Eldercare Locator is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time.

If you suspect abuse of a person living in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or board and care home, your Long Term Care Ombudsman may be able to help.

What should I expect when I call for help?

When making the call, be ready to give the older adult's name, address, contact information, and details about why you are concerned. You may be asked a series of questions to gain more insight into the nature of the situation. For example:

  • Are there any known medical problems (including confusion or memory loss)?

  • What kinds of family or social supports are there?

  • Have you seen or heard incidents of yelling, hitting, or other abusive behavior?

You might also be asked for your contact information, but most states will take a report even if you do not identify yourself.

What happens after I report my suspicions?

The APS agency screens calls for potential seriousness, and it keeps the information confidential. If APS decides the situation may violate state elder abuse laws, it assigns a caseworker to conduct an investigation (in cases of an emergency, usually within 24 hours). If the victim needs crisis intervention, services are available. If elder abuse is not substantiated, most APS agencies will work as necessary with other community agencies to obtain social and health services that the older person needs.

APS agencies provide social services to ensure the safety and well-being of elders and adults with disabilities who are in danger of being mistreated or neglected, are unable to take care of themselves or protect themselves from harm, and have no one to assist them. Interventions provided by APS include, but are not limited to:

  • Receiving reports of adult abuse, exploitation or neglect;

  • Investigating these reports;

  • Case planning, monitoring and evaluation; and

  • Assistance arranging for medical, social, economic, legal, housing, law enforcement or other protective, emergency, or supportive services.

It's important to remember that the older person has the right to refuse services offered by APS. The APS agency provides service only if the senior agrees or has been declared incapacitated by the court and a guardian has been appointed. The APS agency only takes such action as a last resort.

Who responds to reports of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation?

Although APS is generally the "first responder" to reports of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation, many other agencies and nonprofit organizations work to protect vulnerable elders.

Adult Protective Services

APS is the principal public agency responsible both for investigating reported cases of elder and vulnerable adult abuse and for providing victims with treatment and protective services. Usually, the APS Unit, Area Agency on Aging, or County Department of Social Services is designated to receive and investigate allegations of abuse and neglect. If investigators find abuse or neglect, they arrange for services to help protect the victim.

Law Enforcement

Local police, sheriffs, and prosecuting attorneys may investigate and prosecute abuse, particularly in cases involving sexual abuse or assault. In states whose statutes make elder abuse a crime, there may be a requirement to report suspected abuse to a law enforcement agency.

Long Term Care (LTC) Ombudsman

State LTC ombudsman programs investigate and resolve nursing home complaints, and in some areas, complaints about board and care facilities and professional home care providers. If you are concerned about abuses, check the state Long Term Care Ombudsman program in your area for help.

Eldercare Locator

Visit the Eldercare Locator online or call 800-677-1116 to find resources for older adults in any U.S. community. Just one call or visit provides an instant connection to resources that enable older persons to live independently in their communities. The service links those who need assistance with state and local area agencies on aging and community-based organizations that serve older adults and their caregivers. Operators can be particularly helpful in finding services that help to prevent abuse and neglect.


Last modified on 03/05/2021


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