Abuse In Later Life Program
Elder Options provides community educati on and outreach for elder abuse prevention and awareness. We host professional training for law enforcement and direct service providers to assist with recognizing and responding to abuse in later life. Additionally, we can provide advocacy, safety planning and resource referrals for victims of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
What Is Elder Abuse?
Elder Abuse is any intentional act causing physical, emotional or financial harm and is most often committed by someone you know and trust, like a family member or caregiver. Physical abuse might include unexplained injuries, bruising, and unattended medical needs. Emotional abuse could be verbal, by yelling or making threats, or non-verbal through intimidation or isolation. Financial Exploitation includes improper use of an older adult’s bank accounts, property or legal documents. Here are some examples of Elder Abuse, Neglect, & Exploitation in action:
- Taking your medicine, food, money or using your government benefits
- Controlling what happens to your property or mail
- Hitting, yelling or calling you names
- Touching you where they shouldn't
- Refusing to take you to medical appointments
- Controlling what you do, where you go, and who you can see or call
Reporting Elder Abuse
- If you or someone you know is having an emergency, please dial 9-1-1 for immediate assistance.
- To report suspected abuse, neglect, self-neglect or exploitation of a vulnerable adult, please call the 24/7 Florida Abuse Hotline at 1- 800-96-ABUSE
- You can also report online at: https://reportabuse.dcf.state.fl.us/Adult/AdultForm.aspx
Help is available!
