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.
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.
Report Abuse of an Older Adult - Elder Abuse Helpline
Are You Worried About Someone's Safety? Abuse reports can be on behalf of an older adult who lives in any living situation. Reports can be anonymous. The Elder Abuse Helpline is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 1-800-490-8505 to report suspected abuse or neglect.
Report Abuse of an Older Adult - Elder Abuse Helpline
Are You Worried About Someone's Safety? Abuse reports can be on behalf of an older adult who lives in any living situation. Reports can be anonymous. The Elder Abuse Helpline is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 1-800-490-8505 to report suspected abuse or neglect.
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.
Protection From Abuse
Information from Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, Inc. on the protection available to you under the Pennsylvania Protection From Abuse Act.
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. (June 2023)
Protection from Abuse
Information on the Pennsylvania Protection from Abuse Act from the Erie County Bar Association. (June 2023)
Protection from Abuse
Consumer information pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association. [PDF] (February 2013)
Area Agencies on Aging
Your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is the front door for aging services in your community. Your AAA is staffed with skilled workers who can provide information about services and also help in getting access to those services. Pennsylvania has 52 Area Agencies on Aging that cover all 67 counties.
Benefits and Rights for Older Pennsylvanians
The Benefits & Rights book, produced by the Department of Aging, is the commonwealth’s premier guide for information and resources serving older adults on the state and local levels. Topics in the book include housing, insurance, legal services, protective services, and long-term care ombudsman program. The books are available at local Area Agencies on Aging and the offices of state senators and representatives.
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 Abuse and Neglect
Elder Abuse can take many forms including physical abuse; verbal, emotional or psychological abuse; financial abuse and exploitation; sexual abuse; or caregiver neglect. If you or someone you know is elderly, age 60 or older, and are being hurt, you may want to talk to someone about it. You may be a victim of elder abuse that could include physical or emotional abuse, neglect, abandonment, or financial exploitation. This provides information from Pennsylvania of Aging on the signs and symptoms of elder abuse and neglect.
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.
Report Abuse of an Older Adult - Elder Abuse Helpline
Are You Worried About Someone's Safety? Abuse reports can be on behalf of an older adult who lives in any living situation. Reports can be anonymous. The Elder Abuse Helpline is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 1-800-490-8505 to report suspected abuse or neglect.
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.