What should I do if I think my loved one is the victim of elder abuse?

According to the National Council on Aging, approximately 1 in 10 Americans above the age of 60 have experienced some form of elder abuse. So what should you do if you suspect a senior citizen is the victim of elder abuse?

The first thing to do is to call the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873 – all Florida citizens are mandatory reporters of elder abuse. You can also use the online form on the Florida Department of Children and Families website at https://reportabuse.dcf.state.fl.us/Adult/AdultForm.aspx. While you may be able to keep the names anonymous, it is necessary to provide the county, state, and specific location where the victim is currently living. A description of the abuse is also required.

You can find more information about recognizing the signs of elder abuse on our blogs “Recognizing Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect” and “What to Do if Elder Exploitation Is Suspected.”