Protecting Older Adults from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation

Everyone deserves to age with dignity, safety, and respect.

Learn how to recognize the signs of elder abuse, how to report it, and where to find support.

What is Elder Abuse? 

Most elder abuse is perpetrated by a family member, caregiver or anyone providing care—including professionals. Two things can be true at the same time – a person can love their partner/family member and want the abuse to stop.

There are various forms of elder abuse. Elder abuse can be: 

  • Physical Abuse – Hitting, slapping, restraining, or causing injury.
  • Emotional Abuse – Threats, humiliation, intimidation, or isolation.
  • Financial Exploitation – Misuse of money, property, or assets.
  • Neglect – Failure to provide food, shelter, medical care, or safety. 
  • Self-Neglect – When an older adult is unable to meet their own basic needs.  
  • Sexual Abuse – Non-consensual contact of any kind. 
  • Isolation– Intentional separation from friends, family, or social activities; leading to emotional and psychological harm. 

Sometimes, a combination of these forms of abuse can happen at the same time. Elder abuse can happen to anyone, in any setting. 

Warning Signs to Look For

If you notice these red flags, it may be a sign of abuse:

Financial–

  • Changes in banking or spending patterns, and abrupt changes made to wills or other financial documents 
  • Unexplained credit charges, forged signatures, or unauthorized withdrawals 

Neglect/Isolation–

  • Poor hygiene, sudden weight loss, dehydration, and malnutrition
  • Bedsores or unattended medical needs
  • Hazardous or unsanitary living conditions 

Physical–

  • Unexplained injuries: bruises, broken bones, or abrasions
  • Broken eyeglasses, signs of being punished or restrained 

Sexual–

  • Unexplained venereal disease or genital infections, vaginal or anal bleeding
  • Changes in demeanor, such as showing fear when a specific person is around 

Emotional–

  • Withdrawal from previously enjoyed activities or unusual depression onset
  • Increased agitation and unusual behavior such as biting or rocking
  • Witnessing the abuser making threats, making the abused feel fear or humiliation 

If you suspect abuse, trust your instincts — and take action. 

Reporting, Resources, and Support

Under Maine law, some adults are required to report knowledge or suspicion of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. These individuals are called mandated reporters.  Mandated reporters include many people working in professional capacities interacting with older adults.  View a full list of mandated reporters in Maine here.  

In Maine, Volunteers are not mandated reporters. However, your Volunteer Program Supervisor (SMAA staff member) may be a mandated reporter. Any knowledge or suspicion of elder abuse you share with your Volunteer Program Supervisor will be reported. 

The State of Maine has also created a FAQ sheet with additional information about mandated reporting. You can find it here.

If you think someone is being abused, don’t wait. Reporting is confidential, and you do not need proof.   

  • Maine Adult Protective Services (APS)/DHHS – 1.800.624.8404 or complete a reporting form online here. APS staff are available to take calls 24/7. If appropriate, a case manager will be assigned to help connect to various supports and work one-on-one with the individual or family.
  • If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. 

As a volunteer, your Volunteer Program supervisor (a SMAA staff member), can help you through this process! Your volunteer Program supervisor is here to support you in all aspects of your service, including protecting your clients from elder abuse. Once you share your concerns with your Volunteer Program supervisor, together, you will come up with a plan on how to make the report that feels comfortable to you, such as: 

  • Calling APS together 
  • Filling out APS online form together 
  • Providing you with guidance and context so that you feel confident and empowered to make the call or fill out the online form independently 
  • How best (if at all) to follow up with the client 

The Volunteer Program supervisor will also document your concerns and the report in the client’s file for internal use.  

Call A Helping Voice (a program of The Elder Institute of Maine) at 207.805.5555. A Helping Voice can assist you with your concerns and let you know how/if you need to call Adult Protective Services (APS). They can also help make the call with you to APS if needed. These calls are anonymous.

As a volunteer, your Volunteer Program supervisor is always here to support you.  Share your concerns with your supervisor, and they can help you determine if an Adult Protective Services (APS) report is warranted. 

Our agency provides help, education, and connections to trusted resources: 

Reach out 207-396-6500 or info@smaaa.org.

SMAA and our partners at the Elder Abuse Institue of Maine have created posters that can help shed light on elder abuse and what to do about it.

Review these videos created by our community partners to deepen your knowledge about elder abuse. 

Lifelong Maine – Age-Friendly Skill Building Series 
Elder Abuse: Awareness, Response and Action 

Pennsylvania Department of Aging 
Elder Abuse Awareness Training

Take Action Today