NEWS

Boston Globe Reports on Elder Abuse and Neglect

Mar 27, 2017

An ideal age-friendly community is one where residents take responsibility for the well-being of older adults, but as the Boston Globe explored in a recent article, reporting potential abuse or neglect of an elder friend or neighbor may not be so straightforward.

Highlighting a local case of elder neglect that gained national attention, the Globe article mentioned how the state’s Executive Office of Elder Affairs and City of Boston offer ways to report concern for older adults.

Making the call is an act that people struggle with, as the Globe found, but different communities take different approaches. The article began with a Billerica police officer that performs wellness checks on behalf of the town’s council on aging and concluded with a letter carrier from Nahant who had no issue making the call for an older adult on his route who experienced a stroke.

See the full article here and the elder abuse hotlines listed by the Globe story below:

Where to report concerns about older adults:

  • Concerns about elder abuse or neglect can be reported statewide to the Elder Abuse Hotline 24 hours a day: 800-922-2275
  • Regarding elders residing in the city of Boston, one can also file a report with Central Boston Elder Services during business hours: 617-442-4200º
  • For questions regarding elder services, other than reports of abuse or neglect, call 800-AGE-INFO (243-4636)
  • If you fear an emergency, call the police: 911