HHS Invests $9.7 Million to Prevent Elder Abuse and Exploitation

Originally published on HHS.gov

WASHINGTON, D.C.— NOVEMBER 9, 2026—The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Administration for Community Living (ACL), today announced more than $9.7 million in new awards to help older adults stay safe, make their own choices, and stay connected to their communities. The funding will test new ways to prevent abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation; expand legal help; strengthen advocacy for people living in nursing homes and other care facilities; and help women with the greatest economic and social need build financial know-how.

“Older Americans have earned the right to live with dignity, control their own lives, and protect what they worked hard to build,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “The Trump Administration is investing more than $9.7 million to prevent abuse and financial exploitation, expand access to legal help, and defend the rights of nursing home residents. We are putting practical tools and trusted support into communities to help older Americans safeguard their independence and financial security.”

The need is urgent. Financial exploitation alone is estimated to cost older Americans $28.3 billion annually, underscoring the need for stronger prevention, protection, and support services. At least 1 in 10 older adults experience some form of abuse each year, and concerns about residents' rights, safety, and quality of care continue to generate hundreds of thousands of ombudsman consultations and cases annually.

These awards address these concerns using a multifaceted approach. They help communities spot problems early, put legal help within reach, stand up for the rights of people in long-term care, and share the financial knowledge that helps people protect themselves. ACL does this work as part of the Elder Justice Coordinating Council (EJCC), which coordinates federal work on elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, from prevention and early help to protective services and accountability.

“Behind every one of these numbers is an older adult and a family who trusted the wrong person or had no one to turn to,” said Mary Lazare, ACL Principal Deputy Administrator and delegated EJCC chair. “Through the EJCC, federal agencies are working together to prevent harm, step in early, and hold wrongdoers accountable. These grants bring that work to communities and put practical help within reach, whether that is a lawyer who can help with a scam or a guardianship case, an ombudsman who listens to a nursing home resident, or clear information that helps a woman protect her retirement.”

Preventing Abuse and Financial Exploitation

ACL’s Office of Elder Justice and Adult Protective Services is awarding six new Elder Justice Innovation Grants, totaling more than $5.6 million over three years. These three-year grants will develop and test approaches to new and emerging elder justice problems. The goal is better outcomes for adults who are experiencing abuse, neglect, or exploitation, or who are at risk of it.

The projects will focus on preventing harm or stopping it early, lowering risk, protecting people’s ability to make their own choices, preventing repeat abuse, and improving health and well-being.

Elder Justice Innovation Grants are one way HHS contributes to the EJCC’s work. Over time, they have expanded understanding of adult maltreatment and helped build evidence-based practices nationwide.

Expanding Legal Help for Older Adults

The same office is also awarding four new Legal Assistance Enhancement Program grants, totaling $1.9 million over two years. These two-year grants will support new ways to expand or improve legal services for older adults with economic or social needs.

Each project will take on a priority legal issue under the Older Americans Act. Recipients will work with their state legal assistance developer, evaluate how well the project works, and create a plan that other communities in the state can use.

The projects aim to improve older adults’ health, financial well-being, safety, and ability to stay in their communities. They will also help legal and aging service providers spot and respond to legal needs, including abuse, neglect, exploitation, fraud, and guardianship matters.

Standing Up for People in Long-Term Care

ACL’s Administration on Aging awarded a grant to operate the National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center. Working with ACL’s Office of Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs, the center will provide targeted training and expert technical assistance to 53 State Long-Term Care Ombudsman programs, including staff and volunteer representatives. It will also offer education and support to the broader aging network.

Long-Term Care Ombudsman programs help resolve concerns about the health, safety, welfare, and rights of people living in nursing homes, board and care homes, assisted living facilities, and other residential care communities. They also promote policies and consumer protections that improve long-term services and supports at the facility, local, state, and national levels.

Building Financial Know-How and Security

ACL’s Administration on Aging also awarded a grant to operate the National Resource Center for Women and Retirement. The center will provide clear, practical information on managing money, planning for retirement, and building financial skills for women with the greatest economic and social need.

The center will also work with the National Aging Network to expand financial education and share resources that help prevent identity theft, fraud, and financial exploitation.

A Coordinated Approach to Elder Justice

Together, these awards work on elder justice from several sides. They will help older adults, families, professionals, and communities spot risks early, respond to concerns, and connect people with trusted support.

Award Recipients

Learn more about the work of ACL and the Elder Justice Coordinating Council to protect rights and prevent abuse here: Acl.gov/programs/protecting-rights-and-preventing-abuse