Elder Abuse Information and Training Guide
A Message from Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard
Most older adults enjoy a happy, healthy relationship with their families and friends. But studies suggest that at least 4% of older adults may be victims of abuse, and neglect. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, "Elder abuse in domestic settings is a widespread problem, possibly affecting hundreds of thousands of elderly people across the country. However, because it is still largely hidden under the shroud of family secrecy, this type of abuse is grossly underreported."
It is estimated that only 1 out of 14 elder abuse cases is reported. Because of your willingness to learn about elder abuse and neglect and to report it when you suspect it, we can change those numbers. We can lift the shroud of secrecy and see that those who need help receive it. I hope this manual will help you spot the signs of abuse, learn how to ask a potential victim about abuse and how to refer victims to the proper agencies for assistance and services.
Although elder abuse has occurred for centuries, it wasn’t until the late 1970s – early 1980s that elder abuse victims received national attention. In 1981, the Select Committee on Aging held hearings in which victimized elders gave firsthand testimony of their experiences. The report concluded that elder abuse is a full-scale national problem, and exists with a frequency few dare to imagine. It is estimated that 1.5 to 1.84 million Americans are victims of elder abuse annually.
To address this issue, the Arizona Attorney General's Office, Adult Protective Services and the Area Agency on Aging are working closely with community leaders and senior advocates to offer training on elder abuse and educate the community about elder abuse.
Unfortunately, the crisis of elder abuse cannot be resolved by one person or one agency. Individual citizens, families, professional caregivers, community service providers and all others who come into contact with older adults must be part of the solution.
Why is elder abuse rarely reported to authorities?
Fear
Protect the abuser
Social isolation
Self-blame and/or denial
Inability to report
Possible causes of elder abuse
Elder abuse is an extremely complex problem. Below is a simple listing of some of the possible factors that cause elder abuse.
How can you tell if an older adult needs help?
It may be difficult to tell whether abuse or neglect is occurring. In general, look for changes in the person’s overall behavior or habits. Take into consideration how and what the person is communicating, what their economic conditions are, signs of their emotional health, their physical limitations, their personal appearance and the condition of their home and surroundings.
It may be even more difficult to get the victim of abuse or neglect to talk about it. Abuse may be hidden by isolation or disguised by what seems to be a normal home setting. It is important to remember that abuse can occur in any situation.
Types of elder abuse and the warning signs
Elder abuse is not just as simple (and horrible) as hitting an older person. It is carried out in many ways besides physical pain or injury. It is important to know that elder abuse is exhibited in many ways. Many elder abuse victims are subjected to multiple types of abuse.
The following descriptions may not necessarily be proof of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, but may be clues that a problem exists and that a report needs to be made to law enforcement or Adult Protective Services.
Physical Abuse: the intentional infliction of physical pain or injury, injury caused by criminally negligent acts or omissions and/or unlawful imprisonment or use of physical restraints that result in physical pain or impairment
Warning signs:
Sexual Abuse: non-consensual sexual contact of any kind with an older adult
Warning signs:
Psychological/Emotional Abuse: infliction of mental pain, anguish, or distress through verbal or nonverbal acts such as name calling, insulting, ignoring, threatening, isolating, demeaning and controlling behavior
Warning signs:
Financial Abuse/Exploitation: the illegal or improper use of an incapacitated or vulnerable adult or his/her resources for another’s profit or advantage
Warning signs:
Neglect: a pattern of conduct without the person’s informed consent resulting in deprivation of food, water, medication, medical services, shelter, cooling, heating or other services necessary to maintain minimum physical or mental health
Warning signs:
Warning signs of abuse by caregiver
The Public Policy Institute of AARP estimates that self-neglect represents 40% to 50% of cases reported to Adult Protective Services. Other studies put the number as high as two thirds of neglect cases. In fact, self-neglect may be the most common form of neglect among older adults.
Self-neglect occurs when older adults, by choice or by lack of awareness, live in ways that are harmful to themselves. They may be unwilling or unable to perform essential self-care tasks such as providing food and clothing, getting the right medical care, maintaining personal hygiene or managing financial affairs. There are a number of potential factors that lead to self-neglect:
Study the warning signs of the types of abuse and share this information with friends, relatives, and neighbors.
How do you talk to a person you think is abused or neglected?
1. Establish trust/rapport
2. Get a general narrative of what happened
3. Get more specifics on what happened
4. Close with "friendly" conversation
The first step to an effective interview is to establish a trusting relationship with the victim. The victim is more apt to talk with you if they are comfortable with you and feel that you are being supportive. If this is your first meeting with the victim, start the conversation by talking about common interests or general topics to help make them more comfortable.
The next step is to gather information. Your initial questions should be broad and open-ended to encourage a free-flow narrative response. For example "I see you have a bruise, tell me what happened" or "Tell me more about your daughter and your checking account." It’s best to limit your interruptions while the victim is talking to give the victim a chance to "open up." If the victim is reluctant to answer your broad questions, you can ask more direct questions that can be answered with short or one-word answers. You can also use direct questions to clarify the information given in the narrative. Do not move into interrogative questioning at this point. Don’t challenge the victim’s truthfulness or probe too intensively. Your role is simply to gather enough information to make a report. The police and/or APS will conduct a more detailed investigation of the abuse or neglect.
At some point, it may also be helpful for you to explain to the victim the benefits of cooperation (for example, they don’t deserve this abuse, they deserve respect, they are not alone, there are services available to help them and the abuser).
As you conclude the conversation talk about issues not related to the abuse (such as their home, pets, décor etc.). This will close out the interview on a friendly note and help to reinforce the trusting relationship.
The following suggestions make it easier to talk about abuse with someone who may be experiencing abuse or neglect.
Who should report elder abuse or neglect?
Abused seniors are silent victims. They are usually unable to report the abuse and can remain isolated for long periods of times. If you know or suspect that an older adult is being abused or severely neglected, you must take action.
Everyone who sees elder abuse or neglect should report it. Elder abuse is a crime and it should be reported and stopped. What happens in another’s home is everybody’s business when it involves elder abuse. No one should be reluctant to report evidence of elder abuse, no matter who is doing it!
Arizona law mandates that certain professionals report abuse, neglect, or exploitation if they have a basis to believe it has occurred. Those professionals include: physicians, hospital interns or residents, surgeons, dentists, psychologists, social workers, peace officers, guardians, conservators or other individual who have responsibility for the care of an incapacitated or vulnerable adult.
An attorney, accountant, trustee, guardian, conservator or other person who has responsibility for preparing the tax records of an incapacitated or vulnerable adult or a person who has responsibility for any other action concerning the use or preservation of the incapacitated or vulnerable adult's property and who, in the course of fulfilling that responsibility, discovers a reasonable basis to believe that exploitation of the adult's property has occurred or that abuse or neglect of the adult has occurred also is mandated to report the abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
What if I am not sure there is elder abuse or neglect?
It is better to be safe than sorry. The first thing you can do is to reach out to that person and let them know you want to help them. You then need to report the abuse or neglect to the agencies and authorities that can help the victim.
The professional staff at Adult Protective Services (APS) can determine if what you suspect is elder abuse or neglect is in fact elder abuse and neglect. It is not about interfering in another person’s life. It is about helping someone who may be in desperate need of help. That help is just a phone call away, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
Where do I report elder abuse or neglect?
To report an Emergency Dial 911
Adult Protective Services
(APS)-Adult Abuse 24 Hour Hotline:
1.877.SOS.ADULT (1.877.767.2385)
TDD: 1.877.815.8390
Area Agency on Aging - 24-hour
Senior HELPLINE:
602.264.HELP (602.264.4357)
Or call your local police department.
What will I be asked when I call the APS Hotline?
The APS Intake Specialist will ask you a number of questions to gather the information needed to determine what to do. It will be helpful if you can provide the following information to the Intake Specialist:
The APS Intake Specialist also needs to get additional information and any help you can give in providing that information is greatly appreciated. APS needs to know:
(While the above information is important, APS will not reject a case because you don’t have the victim’s Social Security number or date of birth.)
If it is a case of Neglect, the APS Intake Specialist will ask:
If it is a case of Abuse, the APS Intake Specialist will ask:
If it is a case of Exploitation, the APS Intake Specialist will ask:
Adult Protective Services-How the System Works
Callers to the APS Hotline should not feel like they have to answer all of the questions. Callers should simply answer those they can and provide as much factual information as possible.
In finding solutions for abused, neglected, or exploited adults, Adult Protective Services strives to find assistance that allows the adult to remain in the least restrictive setting, in his/her own residence if possible, and to maintain the highest degree of self-sufficiency.
What happens when APS conducts an evaluation into allegations of abuse, neglect, or exploitation?
When APS conducts an evaluation into allegations of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable or incapacitated adults they determine the adult’s situation:
What will I be asked when I call the Police Department?
When you call the Police Department, you will reach a dispatcher who will ask you for the following information (answer as many of these questions as you can):
After your call, an officer will respond to the scene to speak with the victim and initiate the investigation.
What happens first when I report elder abuse or neglect?
If you call the police department first, the officer may request that an Adult Protective Services (APS) worker be assigned to the victim if they need services.
If APS is contacted first, the APS caseworker will contact police if it appears that the victim has been harmed. The APS caseworker will arrange services if necessary. This may include contacting financial institutions to protect the victim and their finances, and/or referral for petition for guardian/conservator.
You will be given a police department report number for reference. A suspect may be taken to jail. A Police Department Victim Assistance volunteer will help guide the victim through the process.
What happens next?
A detective investigating the case you reported may want to interview you. The detective may also want to interview the victim. If there is enough evidence, the detective will submit the case to a prosecutor for review, who will decide whether to file criminal charges. Not all cases are charged. Some cases are not charged because there is insufficient evidence to support the charges. In other cases, for various reasons, the victim may decline to pursue prosecution.
If charged, a victim’s rights advocate from the prosecutor’s office will contact the victim of elder abuse and explain their rights as a victim. Rights include being notified of all court dates and being present at a trial or hearing, speaking to the judge and the prosecutor and expressing their opinion about any possible plea offers made to the person accused of the abuse.
What happens to the victim if abuse, neglect (self or other) or exploitation is found?
If the report of abuse, neglect, or exploitation is substantiated, several things will happen. If the client is in immediate harm, the APS staff will contact the police, paramedics, or other emergency personnel immediately. If the allegations are substantiated and the client is not in immediate harm and if they have the capacity to make or communicate informed decisions, they may then decide to accept or refuse services provided by APS. If the client refuses assistance, the client may continue to live in conditions that are considered unsafe. However, if the client accepts the services offered, they will be removed from the harmful conditions and guided through the necessary steps for their particular case.
Substantiated does not mean conviction or absolute finding of guilt. Substantiated does mean probable cause that either (or both) offering of services or further law enforcement investigation is warranted.
If the allegations are substantiated and APS finds, based on medical and/or psychological evaluations, that the client lacks capacity to make or communicate informed decisions, then APS will initiate the appointment of a guardian/conservator. Once a guardian/conservator is appointed, the guardian/conservator will make decisions as to placement. APS will attempt to arrange for the provision of necessary services until the time of the appointment.
It is important to remember that in finding solutions for abused, neglected or exploited adults, Adult Protective Services strives to find assistance that allows the adult to remain in the least restrictive setting, in his/her own residence if possible and to maintain the highest degree of self-sufficiency. The perpetrators convince many victims that if the "state government" gets involved, the client will be placed in the state’s custody and the client will end up in a nursing home. The "state" does not take custody of adults, nor does APS have the authority to place a competent client in a nursing home.
A list of community resources that might help the client to remain independent is included in this manual.
What happens to me if I report a possible case of abuse, neglect, or exploitation and abuse is found?
If you report a case of abuse, neglect, or exploitation and the report is confirmed, you might be called to testify in court. The Mesa Police Department and/or APS will explain how the system works, as well as your role and responsibility. Concern over testifying in court should never stop anyone from reporting a possible case of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
APS refers every substantiated case with a perpetrator to law enforcement for determination of prosecution potential.
When the case is referred, it does not include the reporting source’s name. However if law enforcement requests it because it may help their case, APS will provide it.
What about the actual court process?
Once charged, the judge must advise the suspect, now called the defendant, of the charges at an initial appearance.
Later, the judge holds a preliminary hearing to determine whether there is enough evidence to continue with the prosecution.
In some cases, the prosecutor may offer the defendant the option of a plea agreement, which is a negotiated set of charges in exchange for a lesser sentence. This defendant will then enter a guilty plea and be sentenced at a later date.
In cases that proceed to trial, there will likely be a series of hearings before the trial begins. The victim may be subpoenaed or ordered to attend these hearings. If a victim is not ordered to attend, they have the option of going to hearings if they so desire.
A judge will preside over the trial, usually with a jury and decide if the defendant is guilty or not guilty.
Reporting elder abuse is important. The victim of elder abuse is never alone. From the initial report to the court process, the victim will have someone to help them answer questions, escort them to court hearings, file for restitution and advocate for their rights as a crime victim.
You should keep a copy of information regarding your case. You need to know the:
What happens to the victim if abuse, neglect or exploitation is not found?
If signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation are not found, the APS caseworker will close the case. Sometimes, it is helpful to refer the client to other resources available in the community. There are many community resources and social services for older adults listed in this training manual.
Unfortunately, just because a case is closed does not mean that some type of abuse, neglect, or exploitation is not taking place. The victim might withhold the truth from the caseworker and there may not be any visible signs that abuse, neglect, or exploitation is taking place.
Many times, reports of self-neglect fall into this category. In Arizona, a competent adult has the freedom to choose to live in situations that may not be up to the standards set by society and thus, they create a concern for the rest of the community. Self-neglect sometimes start at an early age, but because the person is not vulnerable, he or she is considered lazy or eccentric. However, once that person becomes elderly, the community blames their age for the deplorable or unsafe conditions in which they reside. Other times, a person’s standard of care decreases with aging along with the ability to achieve the level of cleanliness or organization which he or she provided for himself or herself in the past. When APS investigates a situation involving a competent adult, they are usually told to leave, giving them no other choice because that client has the capacity to make that decision even if multiple reports are received on this particular client.
If you continue to witness signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation after the APS caseworker’s initial visit, please contact APS with as much additional information as possible. If you think or feel that the case has been closed, please call the APS hotline again and make a new referral.
What happens to me if I report a possible case of abuse, neglect or exploitation and nothing is found?
There are no penalties for good faith reporting cases of abuse, neglect or exploitation that are later found to be unsubstantiated. In fact, it is better that you report a case and be wrong, then not report a case and be right. Again, you have the right to remain anonymous, but even if you choose to give your name, there will be no penalties if the abuse, neglect, or exploitation is not confirmed.
Many people are concerned that reporting possible cases of abuse, neglect (self or other) or exploitation will cost them their relationship with the victim. Again, consider that a true friend would rather see that person live a healthy and happy life rather than one filled with pain and abuse.
What happens when nothing happens?
In Arizona, freedom comes before safety. Individuals are free to determine for themselves how they want to live. Certain adults choose to live in situations that may not be the norm and create a concern for others in the community. Situations such as these usually start at an early age, but since the person is not vulnerable they are considered lazy or eccentric. Once that person becomes an older adult, the community blames their age for the deplorable and unsafe conditions in which they live. When APS investigates this type of situation, they are usually told to leave. APS has no other choice then to leave if the client has the capacity to make that decision. APS can receive multiple reports on this type of client but still be unable to do anything. These cases can cause community concern and can lead to an inaccurate feeling that APS has done nothing to "fix" the situation.
Can APS or the State of Arizona force someone to go to a nursing home?
Self-determination is the key. Many victims of maltreatment often tolerate the maltreatment because the perpetrator threatens them with being placed in a nursing home. It is important to understand that as long as the client has the capacity to make or communicate informed decisions, no one can force them to live in a nursing home. They can choose their place of residence. Nursing home placement may be one of the options available only if the client meets the medical and financial eligibility criteria. Nursing home placements are usually ordered and/or recommended by a physician.
Perpetrators convince many victims of maltreatment that if "state government" gets involved, the client will be placed in the state’s custody and the client will end up in a nursing home. The "state" does not take custody of adults. APS does not have the authority to make a client live in a nursing home. If the client can no longer take care of him/herself, APS will offer suggestions for living arrangements based on the client’s eligibility for certain services. Nursing home placement may be one of the options available.
If a client is no longer able to care for him or herself and no longer has the capacity to make or communicate informed decisions, APS will initiate the appointment of a guardian/conservator. Depending on his/her finances, the client may need a nursing home or placement in some other type of supervisory facility that can meet the needs of the client.
What to do if the person, whom you believe is being abused, refuses to talk or acknowledge the abuse?
If you believe a person is being abused, neglected, or exploited and they refuse to acknowledge or report it, the best thing you can do is report your suspicions to the proper authorities.
Many times people are too ashamed or are frightened of what will happen if people become aware of the abuse and therefore, do not feel comfortable talking about their situation. You cannot make that person talk, nor should you try. Again, the best thing to do is report the abuse to APS and allow the professionals to look into the case.
Frequently asked questions about APS involvement
What are the reasons for APS closing a case?
Will I be forced to sell my house?
The perception of some clients is that if the "state" comes into your home, they will take over your life and make all the decisions for you, including selling your home and placing you elsewhere. No one can make you sell your home if you are able to make informed decisions. If you are not able to make informed decisions for yourself, the court may appoint a guardian to make decisions on your behalf and/or a conservator.
Will I be forced to live in a nursing home?
No one can force you to live in a nursing home if you are able to make decisions for yourself and live independently.
Will the "state" keep my property/estate?
The appointment of a guardian/conservator will be initiated if a client is found to lack the capacity to make or communicate informed decisions. It is the responsibility of the guardian/conservator to manage the estate of the client in a way that will benefit the client. If a client requires long term care they may be required to "spend down" some of their assets in order to meet income criteria for certain services, including nursing home placement.
Will the "state" declare me incompetent?
If a client’s capacity is in question, APS may have the client evaluated by a physician who will determine and document whether the client still has the ability to make their own decisions. The process to "declare" someone incapacitated requires court action. If the physician’s evaluation determines that the client can no longer make decisions and manage on their own, the case will be referred to the court for the petition to appoint a guardian/conservator. The judge will use the physician’s evaluation to make his/her decision and may appoint a public/private fiduciary or other person(s) able and willing to serve. However, if the physician’s statement indicates that the client can still make decisions, the client will not be declared incompetent.
What will happen to my pets if I can no longer live on my own and must live in a supervisory care home?
If the facility does not allow pets, another home may have to be found for them.
Will the perpetrator know what I said about him or her?
Details of the case may be shared if the case ends up in court. However, APS follows Arizona confidentiality laws and does not release information unless specified by statute or ordered by the court to release the information.
Will the perpetrator be arrested?
Every substantiated case with a perpetrator will be referred to law enforcement. That law enforcement agency determines whether there will be an arrest.
What other elder abuse resources are available?
Arizona Senior Citizens Law Project
(602) 252-6710
Elder Law Hotline
1.800.231.5441
Legal assistance is needed in many abuse cases. Legal services are provided by private attorneys, programs operated by local or state bar associations, or subsidized legal aid programs. The Older Americans Act established a network of free legal services for persons over the age of 60. The following interventions may be needed in abuse cases:
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
602.542.4446
Local Ombudsman 602.264.2255
The Department of Economic Security Adult and Aging Administration Long Term Care Ombudsman Program identifies, investigates, and resolves complaints made by, or on behalf of, residents of long term care facilities. Other responsibilities of the Ombudsman Program include:
Ombudsmen will make every reasonable effort to assist, represent and intervene on behalf of the resident. In investigating complaints, the program will respect the resident and the complainant’s confidentiality and will focus complaint resolution on the resident’s wishes.
Long term care ombudsmen receive specialized training and are certified by the State Long Term Care Ombudsman Program. Ombudsmen routinely visit long term care facilities to provide residents with easy access to ombudsman services. Ombudsmen monitor conditions in long term care facilities and work to improve the quality of care and the quality of life of residents.
Maricopa County Victim Witness Program 602.506.8522
Maricopa County Victim Compensation 602.506.4955
Victim witness assistance programs help victims whose cases are in the criminal justice system. They provide:
You Are Not Alone…..Help is a Phone Call Away
There are many health and social services available in Maricopa County to address the underlying causes of elder abuse, stop it and help prevent it from happening again. Services, fees and eligibility vary. Below are telephone numbers to organizations that can provide information or help locate needed services:
AARP
Arizona State Office
1.888.OUR.AARP (1.888.687.2277)
Adult
Protective Services (APS)
1.877.SOS.ADULT (1.877.767.2385)
1.877.815.8390 (TDD)
Advocates for the Disabled
602.212.2600
602.212.2702 (TTY)
Aging & Adult
Administration (DES)
602.542.4446
Alcoholics
Anonymous
602.264.1341
Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf
480.837.9044
Alzheimer’s
Association Helpline
602.528.0550
1.800.272.3900 - 24 Hour Helpline
American
Association of Kidney Patients
1.800.749.2257
American
Cancer Society
602.224.0524
1.800.ACS.2345 (1.800.227.2345)
1.866.228.4327 ( TTY )
American
Diabetes Association
602.861.4731
1.800.DIABETES (1.800.342.2383)
American
Legion
317.630.1330
American
Liver Foundation-Arizona Chapter
602.953.1800
1.800.GO.LIVER (1.800.465.4837)
1.888.4HEP.USA (1.888.443.7872)
American Lung Association
602.258.7505
1.800.LUNG.USA (1.800.586.4872)
American
Parkinson’s Disease Association
1.
800.908.2732
310.474.5391
American
Red Cross
602.336.6660
1.800.842.7349
Amyotrophic
Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
480.609.3888
1.866.350.ALSA (1.866.350.2572)
ARC
of Arizona
602.243.2721
1.866.501.2721
Area Agency
on Aging
602.264.HELP (602.264.4357) - 24 Hr. Senior Help Line
602.264.2255
602.241.6110 (TTY/TDD)
1.888.783.7500
Arise, Inc. ( Arizona’s Resources for
Independence and Self Enhancement )
480.497.1889
Arizona Alliance for the Mentally Ill
602.244.8166
1.800.626.5022
Arizona
Association of Homes & Housing for Aging
602.230.0026
Arizona Black United Fund (ABUF)
602.268.0666
Arizona
Bridge to Independent Living
602.256.2245
602.296.0591 (TTY)
1.800.280.2245
Arizona
Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired
602.273.7411
Arizona
Center for Disability Law
602.274.6287 (voice/TTY)
1.800.927.2260 (voice/TTY)
Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence
602.279.2900
602.279.7270 (TTY)
1.800.782.6400
Arizona Department of Health Services
602.542.1000
Arizona
Department of Veteran Services
602.627.3261
1.800.852.VETS (1.800.852.8387) (outside Phoenix Area)
Arizona Foundation for the Handicapped
602.957.6341
Arizona
Geriatrics Society
602.265.0211
Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System
(AHCCCS)
602.417.4000
1.800.654.8713
Arizona
Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) Fraud
and Abuse
602.417.4193
1.888.ITS.NOT.OK (1.888.487.6686)
Arizona Humane Society Project Safe House
602.997.7586, Ext. 1025
Arizona
Kidney Foundation
602.840.1644
Arizona
Office for Americans with Disabilities
602.542.6276
602.542.6686 (TTY)
1.800.358.3617 (Outside Maricopa County)
Arizona
Pioneers' Home
928.445.2181
Arizona Senior Citizens Law Project
602.252.6710
Arthritis
Foundation-Greater SW Chapter
602.264.7679
520.917.7070
1.800.477.7679
Assistance for Independent Living
480.966.9704
Association of Arizona Food Banks
602.528.3434
Attorney General - Elder Help Line
602.542.2124
Attorney General - Consumer Information
602.542.5763
Autumn
House & Faith House Crisis Hotline (PREHAB of Arizona)
623.939.6798
480.835-5555
1.800.799.7739
Banner
Health Arizona
602.230.CARE (602.230.2273 (Physicial Referral and Resource
Line)
602.254.HELP (602.254.4357) (Behavioral Helpline)
1-800-254-4357 (Behavioral Health)
602.253.3334 (Banner Good Samaritan Regional Poison Center)
Banner
Home Care
623.327.5200
480.497.5535
Beatitudes
Center Developing Older Adult Resources
602.274.5022
Bosom
Buddies Hotline
602.231.6648
Brain Injury
Association of Arizona Infoline
602.323.9165
888.500.9165
Caring
Connections
800.658.8898
Center
Against Sexual Assault
520.327.1171
Centro de Amistad, Inc.
480.833.0227
Chicanos
Por La Causa
602. 257.0700
520.882.0018
Chronic
Fatigue Syndrome Association of Arizona
602.407.2511
Community
Information and Referral-24-hour helpline
602.263.8856
1.
800.352.3792 (within area
codes 520 & 928)
Community Legal Services
602.258.3434
1.800.852.9075
480.833.1442
1.800.896.3631
Community
Services of Arizona
480.899.8717 x206
1.800.367.8939 (TDD)
Compassionate
Friends
480.752.1832
Companion
Animals of Arizona
602.258.3306
Council
for Jews with Special Needs, Inc.
480.629.5343
480.629.8271(TTY)
Crohn’s & Colitis Support Groups
602.589.7233
Debtors
Anonymous
602.234.6566
Dial-A-Ride
480.633.0101(East Valley )
480.813.8759 (East Valley TTY)
623.937.0500 (El Mirage)
623.930.3500 (Glendale Non-ADA Service)
623.930.3515 (Glendale ADA Service)
623.934.4256 (Maricopa County Special Transportation Services)
1.866.550.2211 (Maricopa County Special Transportation Services)
602.253.4000 (Paradise Valley)
602.258.9980 (Paradise Valley TTY)
623.773.7435 (Peoria)
602.253.4000 (Phoenix)
602.258.9980 (Phoenix TTY)
1.800.755.7295 (Phoenix)
623.977.8363 (Sun City)
623.583.1688 (Surprise)
602.253.4000 (Southwest Valley
Disabled
American Veterans
602.678.0333
Justice
Court
480.985.0188
East Valley Addiction Council
480.962.7711
East Valley Catholic Social Services
480.964.8771
East Valley Caring Corps
480.962.5612
East Valley Interfaith Counseling Center
480.969.2783
East Valley Lutheran Adult Day Health Care
Center
480.981.6260
East Valley Regional Cancer Center Support
Services
480.917.1655
Easter Seals Arizona Stroke Support Groups
602.252.6061
Eldercare Locator
1.800.677.1116
Elder Law Hotline
1.800.231.5441
Emergency Medical Services (DHS)
602.861.0708
Emotions Anonymous
480.964.6313
EMPACT-Suicide Prevention Center Support
Groups
480.784.1500
Epilepsy Foundation of Arizona
602.406.3581
Episcopal Community Services
602.258.3532
Essential Tremor Support Group
480.946.8774
Faith in Action
480.962.5612
Foundation Fighting Blindness
480.894.0712
Foundation for Senior Living
602.285.1800
Gamblers Anonymous
480.598.1226
Generations.Geriatric Counseling
480.461.2920
Housing for Mesa Inc.
480.649.1335
Homebound & Visually Impaired.Episcopal
Services
602.258.3532
Huntington’s Disease Arizona Chapter
602.222.9312
Income Tax Assistance, Volunteer for Elderly
602.207.8618
Intergrupal Hispana.AA meetings in Spanish
602.957.7457
Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc.
602.258.4822
Jewish Community Senior Center
602.242.1999
Jewish Family and Children’s Services
602.257.1904
Local Ombudsman (DES)
602.264.2255
LDS Family Services
480.968.2995
Long Term Care.Dept. of Health Services
602.674.9705
Long Term Care System.Mesa
480.417.6400
Long Term Care Ombudsman (DES)
602.542.4446
Leukemia Foundation of Arizona
602.495.1472
Leukemia & Lymphoma Family Support
Groups
602.788.8622
Living with Cancer
480.948.8080
Lupus Foundation of America.Arizona Chapter
602.923.7560
Lutheran Social Ministry of the Southwest
480.654.4539
Mended Hearts for Heart Disease patients & families
602.414.5353
Men’s Anti.Violence Network (MAN)
602.221.4666
Maricopa County Victim Witness Program
602.506.8522
Maricopa County Victim Compensation
602.506.4955
Meals on Wheels - Mesa Senior Center
480.962.5612
Meals on Wheels (east of Greenfield)
480.218.2221
Meals on Wheels - First Presbyterian Church
480.964.9564
Medicare.Benefits Assistance
602.264.7787
Medicare - General Information
1.800.633.4227
Medicare - Statewide Hotline
1.800.432.4040
Mental Health Association Peer Support
Groups
480.994.4407
Mesa Association for Retarded Citizens
(MARC)
480.969.3800
Mesa Center for New Directions
480.507.8619
Mesa City Government
480.644.2011
Mesa City Court.Orders of Protection
480.644.2255
Mesa Community Action Network
480.610.9200
Mesa Family Advocacy Center
480.644.4075
Mesa General Hospital
480.969.9111
Mesa Housing Authority
480.644.3535
Mesa Lutheran Hospital
480.834.1211
Mesa Municipal Court
480.644.3031
Mesa Police Department Non Emergency
480.644.2211
Mesa Police Department Karen Stegenga
480.644.5014
Mesa Police Department Victim Services
480.644.3232
Mesa Public Library.Homebound Services
480.644.2737
Mesa Senior Center
480.962.5612
Mesa United Way
480.969.8601
Mission
of Mercy Clinics
602.288.7234
602.486.7798 (Appointments.
Muscular Dystrophy Association Support
Groups
480.496.4530
Myasthenia Gravis Foundation Arizona Chapter
480.464.9648
Narcotics Anonymous
480.897.4636
National Association for the Advancement
of Colored People
602.252.4064
National Parkinson Foundation
602.406.4931
National Stroke Association
1.800.STROKES
Native American Community Health Center
602.279.5262
Neurofibromatosis Association of Arizona
480.945.9650
Nursing Home Licensure (DHS)
602.674.9705
Older Adult Health Section (DHS)
602.542.0343
Older Battered Women’s Support Groups
602.264.HELP
Phoenix Ostomy Chapter
602.956.6875
Plus 50 Placement Center
480.218.2221
Presbyterian Service Agency
480.894.1568
PREHAB of Arizona (480.969.4024
Project HOME (Helping Others Manage Effectively)
602.252.3538
Rebound
480.895.5334
Resource Directory for Older People
1.800.222.2225
Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)
480.775.1466
Salvation Army
480.834.7777
Save the Family Foundation
480.898.0228
Second Harvest United Food Bank
480.926.4897
Self.Help for Hard of Hearing People
480.946.6017
Self Service Center.Arizona Supreme Court
602.506.7353
Shared Living for the Elderly
480.921.0134
Sirrine Adult Day Health Care Center
480.464.1061
Social Security Administration
1.800.772.1213
Tri.City Behavioral Health Services
480.839.1668
Tri City Community Service Center Inc.
480.834.7777
Tri.City Information & Referral
480.834.7777
United Methodist Outreach Ministries
602.275.7852
Us Too Prostate Cancer Support Group
480.991.0821
Valle del Sol, Inc.
602.258.6797
Valley Lutheran Hospital
480.981.2000
Valley Presbyterian Support Groups
480.991.6424
Veterans Administration
1.800.827.1000
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
480.941.5258
Veterans Support Group
602.379.4769
Volunteer Center - .East Valley
480.461.3198
Inclusion in this list does not imply endorsement by the Attorney General’s Office.
Comprehensive assessments are often needed to determine if an older adult can take care of themselves, make decisions and protect him or herself against abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Based on the assessment, a case manager can help.
Case Managers, who may work for public or private agencies, can develop a plan of care, arrange for needed services, respond to problems or emergencies and conduct routine re-assessments to see how the older adult is doing and anticipate problems before they occur.
Counseling for victims can help them consider their options, plan for their safety, resolve conflicts and overcome the trauma of being abused.
Daily money management assistance where a volunteer money manager helps the older adult with simple tasks like paying bills or those involving formal transfers of authority.
Friendly visitors to make home visits to isolated older adults.
Telephone reassurance programs that can make routine
"check-in"
calls to isolated older adults or provide telephone counseling to
those who are in emotional distress.
What services can help the abusers?
Caregiver stress is a significant risk factor for abuse and neglect. When caregivers attempt to meet the demands of daily care for an older adult, they can experience frustration and anger that can lead to abusive behavior.
While there is never any excuse for elder abuse, caregivers often feel trapped and hopeless. Some situations can be resolved by providing services to the abuser. The American Psychological Association (APA) reports that abusers who are dependent on their victims for money, or a place to live, may benefit from job training or placement, financial assistance, counseling in independent living, or mental health or substance abuse treatment. While it is difficult to convince some abusers to accept treatment voluntarily, particularly mental health, domestic violence, or substance abuse treatment, these services are often mandated by courts or offered as conditions of probation or as alternatives to prosecution.
The Men’s Anti-Violence Network (MAN) is a group of role models from all sectors of the business world. MAN uses education, community awareness and community involvement to reinforce that men also believe violence against women is unacceptable. MAN is an initiative of the Arizona Foundation for Women.
The Arizona Department of Health Services licenses batterer intervention programs and offender treatment services. Licensure rules and names of batterer intervention programs and offender services are available on the Department’s website.
Many studies show there is a clear connection between animal abuse and family violence. Be aware of the signs of animal cruelty and take all forms of abuse seriously. Report animal abuse to the Sheriff’s Office. The Arizona Human Society’s Project Safe House offers temporary housing for animals in family violence and abuse situations.
Determining what interventions are appropriate in neglect cases depends on many factors, including the caregiver’s willingness to improve care, the family’s resources, and the willingness of the elder to accept help.
Caregivers who are willing and able to improve the care they provide can be assisted by support services. A caregiver whose motive for providing care is self-interest may need to be replaced by a responsible person. Mental health services may also be needed, particularly in self-neglect cases.
Support groups for caregivers can help teach how to meet an older adult’s needs and handle difficult behaviors and situations. Support groups can also help relieve some of the tension and stress that gives rise to abuse and neglect.
Respite programs can also help by giving caregivers a break. Respite care may involve transporting the older adult to a day care center for a few hours or having a volunteer go to the home to provide a few hours of relief to the caregiver.
The most important step in preventing elder abuse is to acknowledge that no one, at any age, should be the victim of violent, abusive, humiliating, or neglectful behavior. In addition to embracing this social attitude, there are many things that individuals, families and communities can do to prevent elder abuse and neglect. AARP has put together a comprehensive list of do’s and don’ts related to the prevention of elder abuse.
DOs for individuals
DON'Ts for individuals
DOs for families
DON'Ts for families
DOs for communities
DON'TS for communities
What else can be done to help victims of elder abuse?
How do we outreach to the general public and inform them about elder abuse?
A major difficulty in identifying elder abuse is that many abused
seniors may be reluctant to admit to abuse because their abuse may
be perpetrated by a spouse or an adult child on whom they depend,
they may fear institutionalization, or they may fear further harm
from the abuser.
An important strategy to address this part of the problem involves
helping seniors build self-esteem, gain assertiveness, and independence
and encouraging them to plan carefully for their future to avoid potentially
abusive situations.
Educational programs are a key to reducing elder abuse in the future
and that such programs, using all media, must be expanded, made public
and directed towards all generations. However, the development of
public awareness campaigns should be approached cautiously until communities
have had the opportunity to develop effective response strategies.
In addition to educating people of all ages about abuse and neglect
of the elderly, it is also important to educate people of all ages
about the process and experience of aging. Such education is important
in terms of planning for one's old age, for assisting older relatives
in their later years and for changing negative attitudes about aging
and the elderly.
