Our Protective Services are designed to
eliminate or alleviate the alleged abuse of an elder. Protective Services
is a legally mandated program. Caseworkers work in conjunction with community
agencies providing health, mental health, legal and social services. Elder
abuse includes: physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, caretaker
neglect, financial exploitation, and self-neglect.
The elder's rights and wishes are always
respected.
Anyone who has reasonable cause to believe an elder
has been abused may make a report of elder abuse. The identity of
the reporter is always kept confidential.
Physicians, medical interns, dentists, coroners,
podiatrists, osteopaths, physician assistants, social workers, nurses,
occupational and physical therapists, psychologists, family counselors,
firefighters, police and probation officers, emergency medical technicians,
executive directors of home health aide and homemaker agencies,
case managers, health aides, homemakers, and managers of assisted
living residences are all mandated reporters of Elder Abuse.
Reports of abuse in the Massachusetts cities of
Everett, Malden, Medford, Melrose, Stoneham, Wakefield, Reading and
North Reading can be reported during normal business hours by calling
(781) 324-7705.
After normal business hours, or to report
abuse anywhere in the state of Massachusetts, call the Elder Abuse Hotline
at (800) 922-2275.