NYSOFA Highlights Resources to Prevent, Identify, and Report Elder Abuse

The New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) highlighted resources to help the public identify and report abuse, including scams and other fraud tactics targeting older adults. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is marked each year on June 15. It is an official United Nations International Day acknowledging the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue.

Forms of Elder Abuse

Elder abuse takes several forms: physical, emotional, and sexual abuse; financial exploitation; and neglect (including self-neglect). Elder abuse is not always easily recognized. Older adults who are socially isolated are at increased risk for elder abuse, and NYSOFA offers many resources to help overcome this root cause, including socialization programs available through local county Offices for the Aging and digital tools to help connect older adults.

Reporting Elder Abuse

To report abuse, individuals should call the Adult Protective Services (APS) helpline at 1-844-697-3505.

For emergencies that require immediate attention, call 9-1-1.

For non-emergency assistance, or if you are worried about a friend or loved one, call the helpline for concerned individuals at 1-844-746-6905. This is a confidential resource.

Identifying Elder Abuse

An older adult could be a victim of elder abuse if they:

Seem depressed, confused, or withdrawn.

Are isolating from friends and family.

Have unexplained bruises, burns, or scars.

Exhibit poor hygiene or appear underfed, dehydrated, overmedicated or undermedicated, or are not receiving needed care for medical problems.

Have bed sores or other preventable conditions.

Exhibit recent changes in banking or spending patterns.

Programs to Combat Elder Abuse

NYSOFA, in partnership with Lifespan of Greater Rochester and its contractors, provides a statewide Elder Abuse Education and Outreach Program (EAEOP) for older adults, their families and caregivers.

NYSOFA has also pioneered the use of Enhanced Multidisciplinary Teams (E-MDTs) to intervene in cases of elder abuse through the Elder Abuse E-MDT Initiative. E-MDTs, now in every region of the state, convene local agencies in individual counties working together to help address cases of elder abuse. E-MDTs often include the local county Office for the Aging and other aging service providers, APS, mental health professionals, health care providers, social workers, human services providers, banking/financial institutions, civil legal service providers, district attorney’s offices, law enforcement agencies, and forensic accountants. From 2014 to 2023, E-MDT interventions led to a reported $4.8 million in restitution in financial exploitation cases. Of this, $1.3 million was reported returned to the victims. To learn more, visit the E-MDT Initiative website. You can also read NYSOFA's report on the E-MDT model to learn more about program outcomes.

Scam Resources

Financial exploitation – including scams and other fraud tactics that target older adults – is the most common form of elder abuse. AARP estimates that financial exploitation costs victims 60 and older an astonishing $28.3 billion annually.

NYSOFA's new guide Don't Get Scammed: A Comprehensive Guide for Avoiding Fraud and Theft provides tips, resources and more to help older adults avoid scams. Please also watch and share NYSOFA's recent livestream on Older Adults: Avoiding Scams and Fraud.

NYSOFA has partnered with the online community GetSetUp to feature online classes through its Cybersecurity and Fraud Hub as well as an Elder Abuse Awareness Series. The classes are among hundreds available for older adults to meet with their peers for online learning and social connectedness. Key classes include:

AI Scams 101: A Quick Overview

Online Safety: Socializing Safely Online

Online Safety: Protect Your Personal Information

Online Safety: Browse the Internet Confidently

Common Scams and Fraud

Mastering Difficult Conversations

Elder Abuse Awareness-Understanding Different Types of Abuse

Creating Healthy Boundaries

Other Resources

Caregiver stress is a major risk factor for abuse. County Offices for Aging offer caregiver support groups and respite services, which provide temporary relief for caregivers. For caregiver assistance, call NY Connects at 1-800-342-9871. Caregivers can also get connected to online resources like New York's Caregiver Portal.

For concerns about older adults living in facilities, the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is available statewide to help residents understand and exercise their rights to quality care. The statewide helpline is 1-855-582-6769.

The Division of Consumer Protection can help victims of scams and frauds. It also offers consumer prevention and education information. For more information call 1-800-697-1220.

The New York State Office of Victim Services may be able to help crime victims with medical bills, counseling expenses, lost wages, and other types of assistance.

The New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence provides a directory of programs that includes residential services and/or assistance, information, referral, counseling, advocacy, community education and outreach services.

These and other resources can be found at https://aging.ny.gov/elder-abuse.