Elder Abuse & Adult Protective Services
Abuse of older adults is one of the most under-recognized and under-reported social problems in the United States. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, adult children are the most frequent abusers of the elderly. Spouses are the second most likely perpetrators. These family members can often be the senior's only source of support, making the victim unwilling or unable to seek help. Other older adults may be too embarrassed, intimidated or confused to get the assistance they need. Most victims are isolated in their homes, which keeps the abusive situation hidden from the community at large.
PCA’s Older Adult Protective Services Department provides the resources to intervene when an older adult is abused, abandoned, neglected or financially exploited. The department investigates approximately 2,000 reports of abuse and neglect annually.
Older Adult Protective Services provides the resources to detect, prevent, reduce or eliminate:
- Self-neglect
- Neglect by a caregiver
- Physical, sexual or psychological abuse
- Misuse of the older adult’s money or personal property
- Abandonment
These services are made possible through the Older Adult Protective Services Act of 1987. Social workers are available 24-hours-a-day to provide intake, investigation, assessment, care planning and crisis resolution.
Confidential calls to report abuse may be made by anyone, including the older adult in need.
Call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040
Investigators are available 24-hours-a-day
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Click here to view Intervention Criteria and Signs of Abuse
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