It’s unthinkable that our elder loved ones are at heightened risk of being abused, but unfortunately, it’s a concern that can’t be ignored. Over the past eight years, Pennsylvania has observed a tenfold increase in deaths of older adults after an abuse or neglect complaint was made to the state. The numbers rose from 120 in 2017 to 1,288 in 2024, peaking at 1,389 in 2022. The number of seniors actually abused is likely even higher than these reported figures.
If you or a loved one has suffered elder abuse, whether at the hands of a relative, caregiver, or friend, the LLF Law Firm’s Family Law Team is ready to help. Our knowledgeable attorneys have a great deal of experience with Pennsylvania’s elder abuse and neglect laws. We can ensure that your loved one is protected from further harm with a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order and work to hold those responsible accountable.
Call the LLF Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online to learn more about how our Family Law Team can assist you.
How to Report the Abuse or Neglect of an Elder in Franklin County
Franklin County is no exception to elder abuse. In 2020, Franklin County Office on Aging’s Adult Protective Services investigated 1,560 cases of mistreatment. Nearly 40 percent of these cases involved exploitation of the adult, along with neglect and emotional and verbal abuse.
If you have reason to suspect that a senior in Franklin County is being abused, neglected, or exploited, contact your local law enforcement immediately if you believe they are in immediate danger of harm.
If the abuse does not yet reach the level of immediate danger, contact the Franklin County Area Agency on Aging. This agency provides supportive services to people age 60 and older and accepts reports of abuse and neglect for care-dependent individuals, 24 hours per day, seven days a week, at 717-263-2153 or 1-800-642-6990. The agency will investigate the allegations under the Older Adults Protective Services Act.
If possible, investigators will speak with the alleged victim and those around them. They take particular care with “protected” adults 60 and older. Protected adults are individuals who cannot perform or obtain services necessary to maintain their physical or mental health, have no responsible caretaker, and are in imminent danger.
You can also file a report through the Pennsylvania Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-800-490-8505, also available 24/7. Even if you’re not sure abuse is occurring, it’s better to be safe than one day wake up to tragic results.
Who Should Report Elder Abuse in Pennsylvania?
Anyone can–and should–report suspected elder abuse. Our society will never reduce or eliminate the maltreatment of older individuals unless we all consider it our duty to look out for signs of abuse and take action. As a voluntary reporter, you can remain anonymous.
Pennsylvania law has declared specific individuals to be mandatory reporters, meaning that they are required to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation to the authorities. Mandatory reporters include employees and administrators of nursing homes, personal care homes, domiciliary care homes, adult day care, and home health care centers.
If you fail to report suspected abuse or another mistreatment as a mandatory reporter, you may face financial penalties and other potential legal trouble. Note, however, that you are legally protected from retaliation, discrimination, or civil or criminal prosecution for having filed the report.
How to Recognize Elder Abuse
The U.S. Department of Justice defines elder abuse as “an intentional or negligent act by any person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to an older adult.” This abuse typically falls into five categories: physical abuse, emotional/psychological abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation.
Elder abuse isn’t always blatant. Victims sometimes hide their abuse out of shame or fear, or they’re simply unable to express what’s happening. Abusers often try to mask the abuse or blame other causes for apparent signs of abuse (“they’re clumsy” or “they refuse to eat”).
If you’re around an older person, whether a relative, neighbor, friend, or stranger in a care facility, take the time to learn the signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation to ensure the older person’s protection.
For example, keep an eye out for visible injuries such as bruises, cuts, burns, or even fractures, particularly in places usually covered by clothing. If the person starts withdrawing from social situations or isolating themselves more than usual, that’s another red flag. Be alert if the person’s caregiver seems to be trying to prevent you from seeing them or often tells you that the older person isn’t available–they may be trying to hide injuries until they’ve healed.
In addition, watch for signs like poor hygiene, untreated medical issues, malnutrition, or bedsores, especially if the person relies on a caregiver or lives in a nursing home. Unexplained weight loss and drastic changes in mood, such as being unexpectedly irritable, angry, or prone to tears, also might point to abuse or neglect.
Signs of financial exploitation may include unexplained large cash withdrawals, asset transfers, or unusually expensive or numerous purchases given away as gifts. These actions do not always mean that abuse is occurring–mentally competent individuals have the right to control their money as they will–but it may warrant further investigation, particularly for vulnerable individuals. Unfortunately, older people are overwhelmingly targets of financial scams.
The LLF Law Firm Can Help Protect Against Elder Abuse in Franklin County
Elder abuse cases often require the help of an experienced legal professional. The LLF Law Firm’s Family Law Team can help you advocate for an older person’s rights and protect them from further harm. For example, if appropriate, we can help you file a PFA order with the Franklin County Courthouse. A PFA can prohibit alleged abusers from having contact with or access to elderly individuals.
As experienced family lawyers, we are well-versed in the state laws, regulations, and procedures in elder abuse cases. We have helped countless families and seniors get the protection they need. We want to help you, too. Contact us without delay at 888.535.3686 or reach out online.