This section of PALawHelp.org has information and resources about Elderly Abuse and Exploitation issues in Pennsylvania.
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
Elder Financial Abuse (Video)
This video from the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities aims to educate professionals about how to identify the signs of elder financial abuse. (2016)
Financial Exploitation
This webpage from the PA Department of Aging explains different types of financial exploitation that are faced by the aging population and what older adults can do to prevent, detect and report incidents of financial exploitation.
Protection From Abuse
Information from Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, Inc. on the protection available to you under the Pennsylvania Protection From Abuse Act.
Protection Orders
This resource from the Pennsylvania Courts includes several videos including "How to file for a protection order in Pennsylvania"; "Recognizing the Signs of Abuse" and "Safety Planning". it also answers many frequently asked questions about Protection Orders in Pennsylvania.
Protection Orders: How to File for a Protection Order in Pennsylvania (Video)
This video from the Pennsylvania Courts provides detailed step-by-step instructions on how to file for a protection order. The video will prepare victims for what to expect when they file a protection order by offering a detailed description of each step involved in the filing process.
Cover Sheet for Interstate Enforcement of a Protection Order from Aging Safely
Aging Safely has created this free program that can create a cover sheet for your protection order when traveling outside your area of residence. When you put the cover sheet on top of your protection order, it makes it easier for the courts and police in other states to enforce your order.
Safety Planning Form from Aging Safely
Aging Safely has developed this online interview that will help you prepare a free safety plan if you or a loved one are in an unsafe situation.
Eldercare Locator
The Eldercare Locator from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Aging connects older Americans and their caregivers with sources of information on senior services. The service links those who need assistance with state and local area agencies on aging and community-based organizations that serve older adults and their caregivers.
Protection From Abuse
Information from Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, Inc. on the protection available to you under the Pennsylvania Protection From Abuse Act.
Abuse
Information on the Pennsylvania Protection from Abuse Act from the Erie County Bar Association.
A Guide for Seniors and Their Families: Issues on Aging
Consumer Legal Information Pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association [PDF]
Living Trusts
This publication from the Erie County Bar Association outlines what a living trust is, who needs one, advantages and disadvantages of having one, as well as myths and scams involving living trusts. (February 2019)
Protection from Abuse
Consumer information pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association. [PDF]
Protecting Yourself From Financial Exploitation
Information from the SeniorLAW Center (Philadelphia) on how to prevent financial exploitation. [PDF]
Area Agencies on Aging
Your local Area Agency on Aging will put you into contact with the programs and services you need. Use this finder to locate the specific Area Agency on Aging that covers your county.
Benefits and Rights for Older Pennsylvanians
This booklet from the Pennsylvania Department of Aging provides information about aging services available across the commonwealth. [PDF]
Caregiver Neglect and Abuse
Informational brochure on the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Care-Dependent Neglect Team that works to protect seniors and vulnerable citizens from harm or abuse at the hands of a caregiver.
Elder Financial Abuse (Video)
This video from the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities aims to educate professionals about how to identify the signs of elder financial abuse. (2016)
Financial Exploitation
This webpage from the PA Department of Aging explains different types of financial exploitation that are faced by the aging population and what older adults can do to prevent, detect and report incidents of financial exploitation.
Financial Planners or Scammers
Consumer Advisory from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General about solicitations from so-called experts offering financial and estate planning services.
Money Smart for Older Adults
Older adults can be attractive targets for financial predators both known and unknown to them. "Money Smart for Older Adults" from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is designed to help older adults, family caregivers and others prevent, recognize, and report financial exploitation. (June 2021)
National Center on Elder Abuse
Website dedicated to to helping national, state, and local partners in the field be fully prepared to ensure that older Americans will live with dignity, integrity, independence, and without abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The NCEA is a resource for policy makers, social service and health care practitioners, the justice system, researchers, advocates, and families.
Preventing elder financial abuse: Guide for family and friends of people living in nursing homes and assisted living communities
This guide from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Office for Older Americans is designed to help family members and friends of people living in nursing homes and assisted living communities learn how to prevent and report elder financial abuse. (November 2021)
Protection Orders
This resource from the Pennsylvania Courts includes several videos including "How to file for a protection order in Pennsylvania"; "Recognizing the Signs of Abuse" and "Safety Planning". it also answers many frequently asked questions about Protection Orders in Pennsylvania.
Protection Orders: How to File for a Protection Order in Pennsylvania (Video)
This video from the Pennsylvania Courts provides detailed step-by-step instructions on how to file for a protection order. The video will prepare victims for what to expect when they file a protection order by offering a detailed description of each step involved in the filing process.
Reporting elder financial abuse: Help for family and friends of people living in nursing homes and assisted living communities
This quick reference resource from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is focused on how to report elder financial abuse. This can help you quickly find the right resources in a tough situation. (September 2021)
Signs and Symptoms of Elder Abuse and Neglect
Information from Pennsylvania Office of Victim Services on the signs and symptoms of elder abuse and neglect.
Protection From Abuse (PDF)
This fact sheet from the Disability Rights Pennsylvania offers a brief overview of the Protection From Abuse Act.
Lancaster County: Protection From Abuse in Lancaster County
Information on Protection From Abuse and the procedures for filing an action including forms.
Northampton County: Protection From Abuse Information
Information on Protection From Abuse services in Northampton county. Under the Protection From Abuse Act, you may file for an order if the person who has or is trying to harm you is/was your spouse; was living with you in a common-law marriage or as your boyfriend/girlfriend; the parent of your child; your child; was a sexual or intimate partner; your parent; or related to you by blood or marriage.