Published: April 08, 2008 02:30 pm            

DHR urges individuals to report elder abuse

Submitted by the Georgia Department of Human Resources



ATLANTA — Did you know that it is a felony in Georgia to abuse, neglect or exploit a disabled adult or elder person age 65 and older? Did you know that it is a misdemeanor if a mandated reporter does not report suspected cases of abuse involving an elderly person?

Anyone can report abuse. But law enforcement, financial institutions, and medical and human services personnel are among those required by law to report suspected cases of adult abuse, neglect or exploitation to Adult Protective Services (APS).

April 13-19 is National Victims’ Rights Week and the Department of Human Resources, Division of Aging Services is urging everyone to report suspected cases of elder abuse in the community to APS. APS is mandated under the Disabled Adults and Elder Persons Protection Act to address situations of domestic abuse, neglect or exploitation of disabled persons over age 18 or elders over age 65 who are living in the community and not in residential long-term care facilities. Georgia law defines abuse as the willful infliction of physical pain, physical injury, mental anguish, unreasonable confinement, or the willful deprivation of essential services to a disabled adult or the elderly.

Suspected abuse can be reported to APS toll-free at 1-888-774-0152 or (404) 657-5250 in Metro Atlanta. The identity of the reporter is kept confidential.

“Elder abuse takes many forms including physical, emotional, sexual, financial exploitation, neglect and self-neglect. lder abuse is a global problem and everyone needs to become aware of the signs and report it,” said Maria Greene, director of the Division of Aging Services.

To report cases of suspected abuse of a person living in his or her own home or with a relative or caregiver, contact APS Central Intake toll-free at 1-888-774-0152 or in Metro Atlanta at (404) 657-5250. In instances where harm or threat of harm is imminent, emergency medical and or law enforcement should be contacted by calling 911 as a first response. If the person lives in a nursing home or personal care home, contact the Office of Regulatory Services at (404) 657-5728 (inside Metro Atlanta) or toll-free at 1-800-878-6442, or contact the State Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, an advocate for residents’ rights, at 1-888-454-LTCO (5826).

If you would like to receive general information, a free brochure or schedule a free presentation on elder abuse prevention, contact the Division of Aging Services at (404) 657-5319 or toll-free at 1-866-552-4464.

        

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