Elder abuse is a serious issue. If you live in Berks County and suspect that a senior is being abused, please contact the Berks County Detective’s Elder Abuse Unit at (610) 487-7171.
Elder abuse and crimes targeting older people are a real issue that comes in many forms, including:
- neglect
- physical abuse
- financial abuse
- sexual abuse
Learn how to stay safe and report suspected abusers.
Signs of elder abuse
Although these signs do not always mean elder abuse, it is important to be aware that elder abuse can occur at any time to anyone.
- bruises or broken bones
- weight loss
- Dementia may be blamed on “old age” when the real cause is malnutrition or drug interactions or side effects.
- The older person never goes outside or never sees visitors.
- withdrawing large sums of money from a savings account without apparent reason
- signing over his or her home to a relative
Any person who believes that an older adult is being abused, neglected, exploited, or abandoned, may call the elder abuse hotline. The hotline is open 24 hours a day.
If you have concerns about the quality of care an older person is receiving from a facility or a caregiver, please call your local Area Agency on Aging for guidance.
Statewide elder abuse hotline: 1-800-490-8505
If you suspect abuse, please contact the Berks County Detective’s Elder Abuse Unit at (610) 487-7171. This information is intended to be a community resource and awareness article.
The law office of elder law attorney Scott C. Painter, P.C., is located in Wyomissing (outside of Reading, PA, in Berks County,) and offers trusted legal services in the areas of elder law, including nursing home planning, trust and estate services, and veterans benefits. Scott C. Painter is a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA®), and he is also a member of the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA).
If you have an issue or question, we encourage you to call us. With legal matters, time is of the essence. Call us for a consultation at 610-378-5140. The $300 consultation fee is waived if Attorney Painter is retained to perform services.