In Pennsylvania, elder abuse is on the rise, having increased by 32 percent since 2016. Berks County is one of the areas experiencing exploitation of its elders, and county officials have warned local residents to be on alert. Elder abuse comes in a variety of forms, including physical abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation, all of which deeply impact the older adults targeted by fraudsters.
The LLF Law Firm understands the elder abuse issues in Berks County and can help older adults and their families. If you or someone you love has fallen victim to an abuser, contact us at 888-535-3686 or fill out our contact form.
Elder Abuse in Berks County
Although specific elder abuse data isn't available for Berks County, the area's robust 65-plus population makes it especially vulnerable to scammers and abusers. With 18.5 percent of the county's population being 65 and older, residents need to be aware of the rising number of incidents statewide.
Especially concerning among Pennsylvania's elder abuse spike is its increase in deaths. From 2018 to 2022, the state saw a 91 percent increase in deaths among older adults being investigated for abuse.
Recognizing the Signs of Elder Abuse
Pennsylvania's Office of Victim Services classifies elder abuse as hurtful behavior directed to a person aged 60 or older. The division offers some warning signs that can help stop abuse before it gets worse. They include:
- Physical abuse: Bruises, cuts, and broken bones are signs that someone has been abused.
- Neglect: Caregivers and loved ones might not be taking proper care of an older adult. Symptoms of neglect include appearing dehydrated or malnourished, improper dental care, missing eyeglasses, or having medical needs that haven't been addressed.
- Financial exploitation: Older adults with a sudden change in financial situation could be victims of financial abuse. This includes unpaid bills and unauthorized withdrawals.
- Emotional abuse: This type of abuse can be tougher to detect. Signs of emotional abuse include withdrawal, depression, or unexplained fearfulness.
Older Adult Protective Services in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Department of Aging regulates the laws introduced in the Older Protective Adults Act, and within the Department of Aging, Older Adult Protective Services (OAPS) is designed to safeguard seniors across the state. Sometimes referred to as Adult Protective Services (APS), OAPS provides services that protect the health, safety, and welfare of elders.
Services include:
- Home-delivered and congregate meals
- Caregiver support
- Health and wellness services
- Personal assistance
- Senior community centers
- Medicare enrollment counseling
- Transportation
- Job training
- Elder abuse assistance
OAPS also has Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) devoted to serving smaller areas of the state. The Berks County AAA offers educational resources and links to local services that can help with elder abuse. For Berks County residents, the address for the closest AAA is 633 Court Street, 8th Floor, Reading, PA 19601.
Reporting Elder Abuse in Berks County
As soon as you suspect elder abuse, it's important to file a report. You can call the OAPS hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 1-800-490-8505. Reporters can remain anonymous and will automatically have legal protection from retaliation, discrimination, and civil and criminal prosecution.
If you'd prefer a more local option, the Berks County Detective's Elder Abuse Unit investigates elder abuse cases. You can reach them by phone at 610-478-7171 or by email here.
Mandatory Reporters in Berks County
Certain professionals are required to report suspicions of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or abandonment by calling the OAPS. Pennsylvania's mandatory reporters include administrators or employees of the following facility types:
- Assisted Living
- Home care
- Intermediate care
- Long-term care nursing
- Older adults daily living
- Residential treatment
In addition to the above, mandatory reporters include any organization or group that uses public funds and is also responsible for providing care to older adults.
Mandatory reporters must report any reasonable suspicion that abuse has occurred. That includes neglect, exploitation, or abandonment. Concerns can be called into the OAPS hotline at 1-800-490-8505.
The Role of the LLF Family Law Team
The LLF Firm Family Law Team takes elder abuse and neglect seriously. We're committed to advocating for the rights of Berks County's older adults by providing support to victims and their families. We can help with:
- Legal representation: When an elder abuse case goes to court, we'll work on the victim's behalf, presenting evidence and calling witnesses as necessary to prove abuse took place.
- Filing protective orders: When an older adult is experiencing abuse or neglect, blocking the abuser from further access is a top priority. We'll help file temporary restraining orders and ensure those orders become permanent.
- Financial recovery: When abuse comes in the form of financial exploitation, the LLF Law Firm Team will help stop further abuse, as well as seek restitution when possible.
- Guidance and support: Often, elder abuse victims and their families are unsure how to proceed. We'll help you navigate your options and offer advice to help you decide where to go next.
Protective Orders in Berks County
If the victim qualifies under Pennsylvania law, you can request a Protection from Abuse (PFA) Order. This order will force the abuser to avoid contacting the victim or coming within a specified physical distance of the older adult moving forward.
To apply for a PFA Order in Berks County, you'll visit the Berks County Courthouse at 633 Court Street in Reading. You can file a PFA order request between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. After hours, you'll need to request an emergency PFA order from the Magisterial District Judge or the Reading Central Court on the 1st floor of the courthouse.
How We Can Help
Elder abuse is a growing problem in Berks County, Pennsylvania, and our Family Law Team is prepared to help. Victims need legal advocates who can ensure they're protected from future abuse while also getting restitution for past abuses. Whether you need help with a PFA order or representation for court cases, the LLF Law Firm can help.
If you or a loved one is a target of elder abuse, we're here to help. Give the LLF Law Firm Family Law Team a call at 888-535-3686 or fill out this confidential contact form, and we'll be in touch.
