Elder abuse continues to be a problem in Westmoreland County and throughout Pennsylvania. According to data from state agencies, in 2017, there were 120 deaths of elderly people in Pennsylvania following reports of abuse or neglect. By 2022, that number had risen to nearly 1400.
Factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic account for this substantial increase to some degree. Regardless, data such as this indicates that elder abuse is a prevalent issue that must be addressed in the Commonwealth.
One way you can do your part is by reporting elder abuse when you suspect it's occurring. If you're the loved one of an elderly person who you believe is being abused, there may be additional steps you can take to protect them, such as obtaining a protection from abuse order.
We at the LLF Law Firm Family Law Team can help. Attorneys with our team have the experience and resources necessary to help you gather evidence of abuse and take legal steps to stop it. Learn more about what we can do for you by submitting your information via our online contact form or calling our offices at 888-535-3686.
How and Where to Report Elder Abuse in Westmoreland County
An elderly person who's being abused may be unlikely to speak up for themselves. Other adults may thus be responsible for reporting their concerns when they have reason to believe abuse is occurring.
Per Westmoreland County's Department of Human Services, if someone suspects an elderly person is the victim of abuse, they should report the matter to their local Area Agency on Aging.
The Westmoreland County Adult Agency on Aging is located at:
200 S. Main Street
Greenburg, PA 15601
The office is usually open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. You may report potential abuse to the office by calling (724) 830-4444.
Signs of Elder Abuse
If you're unsure whether an elderly person is being abused, while asking them about the matter could reveal valuable information, it's also important to keep in mind that a vulnerable elderly person might not answer your questions honestly.
Sometimes, victims are afraid of the consequences if they report their experiences. Or, due to memory or cognition issues, they might struggle to understand that abuse is occurring in the first place.
You may have to keep an eye out for signs of abuse. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, common signs of elder abuse include:
- An elderly person being isolated from others
- Weight changes
- Bruises, broken bones, and other signs of physical harm
- Increased confusion with no valid explanations
- Any unusual financial withdrawals from any of an elderly person's accounts
- An elderly person signing over their home to someone else
Err on the side of caution if you think someone may be abusing an elderly person. When you make a report, someone qualified to assess the situation will look into it and determine if your concerns are warranted.
How Protection from Abuse Orders Help in Westmoreland County Elder Abuse Cases
Reporting your concerns to the Westmoreland County Area Agency on Aging isn't the only step you can take to protect a vulnerable elderly person in these circumstances. Obtaining protection from an abuse order (or PFA order) on behalf of an elderly person may be another option if you legally qualify as the alleged victim's guardian or if you're a family member.
If you're not technically an elderly victim's guardian or a qualified family member, they will likely have to obtain a PFA for themselves. However, as someone with influence, you may be able to help them take this step.
A PFA is a court order that requires someone to stop having contact with an individual who they may be abusing. You could seek a PFA if, along with being an elderly person's guardian, you have reasonable evidence to show that abuse is occurring.
This evidence can, to some extent, take the form of your own eyewitness testimony. Seeking a PFA is often an option if you know abuse is occurring because you've witnessed it yourself. Other forms of evidence may include bruises, medical records, testimony from other witnesses who may have information about the matter, and an elderly person's own testimony.
(Note: Those are just examples. Members of our Family Law Team at the LLF Law Firm will identify all available forms of evidence that may prove valuable in your case.)
You may file for a PFA order with the Court of Common Pleas in Westmoreland County. Its address and numbers are as follows:
2 N. Main Street
Greenburg, PA 15601
The process involves:
- Complete a petition for a PFA and bring a printed copy to the courthouse. The petition also includes a petition for a Temporary Order, meaning the judge can temporarily prevent an alleged abuser from contacting a victim until a hearing for a permanent PFA.
- Present the petition to the judge. It will be filed with the Prothonotary's Office, and copies will be sent to your local police department and the sheriff's department. This is to ensure the alleged abuser is properly served with notice of the Temporary PFA.
After issuing a temporary order, the judge will schedule a hearing where you can present your case for a permanent PFA. The alleged abuser will also have an opportunity to defend themselves and present their case in these circumstances. This hearing should take place within two weeks of the judge issuing the temporary order.
We can help by gathering evidence to strengthen your case. Our team will also happily walk you through the steps of filing for a PFA.
Contact the LLF Law Firm for Help With an Elder Abuse Case in Westmoreland County
It can be quite distressing to know an elderly person is being abused. This is particularly true when you also know you may need to be the one to step in and put a stop to the abuse.
Luckily, you don't have to face this task alone. If you believe an elderly person you're close to is being abused in Westmoreland County, our Family Law Team at the LLF Law Firm can provide legal assistance during this confusing time. Get started today by calling our offices at 888-535-3686 or using the contact us form online.
