Elder abuse is on the rise across Pennsylvania, and Washington County is no exception. With seniors making up more than 22 percent of the county's residents, it's important for officials to come up with ways to protect the area's older population.
The LLF Law Firm Team understands the growing issue of elder abuse in Pennsylvania and works to help protect older adults. If you or your loved one has experienced elder abuse, we can help. Contact us by phone at 888-535-3686 or by completing our contact form.
The Rising Tide of Elder Abuse
The senior population in the U.S. is on the rise, with 58 million residents currently aged 65 and older. Unfortunately, an increase in older adults invites bad actors who are ready to target these residents. According to estimates, one in 10 adults over the age of 59 has experienced some form of abuse in the previous year, making it an issue no matter where you live.
Pennsylvania takes a tough stance on elder abuse, with legislation designed to protect the state's older residents. The Older Adults Protective Services Act (OAPSA) was passed in 1987 to keep seniors safe.
What Is the OAPSA?
Washington County, Pennsylvania, residents are protected by the OAPSA, a statewide law that establishes a uniform statewide reporting and investigative system. This law put the following protections in place:
- Mandatory reporting requirements: OAPSA lists specific reporting requirements for those who work in certain fields. Those requirements apply to professionals working in areas where they're more likely to spot elder abuse, like caregivers and healthcare workers.
- 24/7 abuse hotline: The legislation set up a statewide abuse reporting hotline that allows victims and concerned individuals to report elder abuse.
- Confidential investigations: Reported acts of abuse must be reported within 72 hours under the law.
- Services funding: The OAPSA addressed funding to local agencies providing shelter and resources to victims who need them.
- Criminal background checks: Under the legislation, facilities must conduct background checks on every new employee.
Reporting Elder Abuse in Washington County
In Washington County, Pennsylvania, older residents have access to protections through The Southwestern Pennsylvania Area Agency on Aging (SPHS). They provide a hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-537-2424, and offices at 305 Chamber Plaza in Charleroi. Additionally, the Washington County Department of Human Services offers support for older adults suffering from abuse. You can reach them at 1-800-537-2424, and their offices are located at 95 West Beau Street, Suite 300, in Washington.
Statewide, the Older Adults Protective Services (OAPS), also known as Adult Protective Services (APS), monitors and works to prevent abuse of adults aged 60 and older. OAPS offers a Statewide Elder Abuse Helpline, available by calling 1-800-490-8505.
Mandatory Reporting of Elder Abuse in Washington County
Elder abuse often happens in a clinical setting. For that reason, certain professionals are required to report any signs of abuse they see, including elder abuse. Those required by law to report elder abuse include:
- Healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, hospital staff, and paramedics
- Long-term care facility employees, including those at nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and personal care homes
- Social workers and case managers
Protection Orders for Elder Abuse in Washington County
If you or someone you love is being abused, one common move is to file for a Protection from Abuse Order (PFA). This is an order from a judge that instructs the accused to refrain from contacting you or your loved one for up to three years. Violation of the PFA order can come with jail time and fines.
To apply for a PFA order, you'll visit the Washington County Courthouse at 1 South Main Street in Washington. A judge will review your paperwork and either grant or deny a temporary order. You'll later need to attend a final hearing to make the PFA order final.
Other Resources for Elders in Washington County
Hotlines are only one way Pennsylvania and Washington County protect older adults. Here are some other resources for victims of elder abuse:
- SPHS connects seniors with medical care, daytime or overnight care, home-delivered meals, transportation, counseling, and financial or legal advice as needed. If the victim is in physical danger, SPHS can also provide temporary shelter.
- Adult Protective Services offers shelter to older adults in immediate danger.
- Financial exploitation protections: While elder financial abuse doesn't put seniors at physical risk, it can be devastating. The Pennsylvania Department of Aging has resources to help older adults prevent and recover from abuse. The department also works with lenders across Pennsylvania to help educate them on the signs a customer is suffering from financial abuse.
- Legal help: The LLF Law Firm can provide guidance while also prioritizing client safety.
LLF Law Team: Advocates for the Elderly
The LLF Law Team is committed to protecting the rights of Pennsylvania's older adults. Our compassionate legal team can help victims and their families in the following ways:
- Acquiring PFA orders: We can help you secure both temporary and permanent protection orders.
- Gathering evidence: Before your court date, it's important to put serious time into preparing. We'll help you pull together all the documentation necessary to strengthen your case to the judge, including messages and receipts.
- Interviewing witnesses: Statements from witnesses are another way to strengthen your case. We'll help gather those statements by interviewing anyone who might have seen the abuse.
- Power of attorney reviews: If an abuser has power of attorney or guardianship, we can take a look at the situation and determine what changes need to be made.
- Enforcement of PFA orders: When an abuser violates a PFA order, consequences aren't automatic. We'll help you ensure the courts have the information they need to take action.
The LLF Law Firm and Elder Financial Exploitation
The LLF Law Firm Team strives to advocate for victims of elder abuse. Regardless of the type of abuse, we can help. If you or a loved one has been targeted by an abuser in Washington County, Pennsylvania, give us a call at 888-535-3686 or fill out this confidential online form and we'll be in touch.
