What is considered elder abuse in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts law (MGL Ch. 19A, Sec. 14-26) defines elder abuse as acts or omissions resulting in serious physical, sexual or emotional injury or financial loss to an adult age 60 or older.
Who is a mandated reporter for elder abuse in MA?
Mandated reporters of elder abuse include: Physicians, physician assistants, nurses, medical interns, coroners, dentists, podiatrists, osteopaths, social workers, occupational, physical therapists, psychologists, family counselors, police, probation officers, EMTs, firefighters director of a home health aide agency.
What happens when you call APS?
What Happens When a Report is Made? A concerned citizen contacts his/her local APS office to report concerns about the welfare of a senior or adult with disabilities. If the situation meets criteria for abuse, neglect or exploitation, an APS worker will initiate face-to-face contact with the adult needing assistance.
Is elder abuse a crime in Massachusetts?
Elder abuse is a serious crime defined by Massachusetts Legislature as acts or omissions causing serious physical or emotional injury to elderly persons including but not limited to physical, emotional or sexual abuse, caretaker neglect and financial exploitation.
How do I report elder financial abuse in Massachusetts?
- Notify your institution’s point person to report the suspected financial abuse using the Elder Abuse Hotline (1-800-922-2275) or online platform.
- If it’s an emergency, and the customer is in immediate physical or financial danger, follow your institution’s emergency reporting policy.
Can APS kick you out?
Any APS client has the right to refuse or withdraw their consent for APS services. They have the right to reside in the least restrictive environment. APS does not have the right to impose its will upon others if they are capable of making a conscious choice.
Which of the following is a form of emotional abuse of an elderly person?
What Is Emotional Elder Abuse? Emotional elder abuse takes place when an older person suffers harm through insults, yelling, or verbal harassment. It is also referred to as elder psychological abuse. Emotional abuse may be one of the most common forms of elder mistreatment.
Are you legally responsible for your elderly parents in Massachusetts?
Laws known as “filial responsibility laws” are present in 30 of the 50 states, including Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island and can hold children legally responsible for their parents’ long-term care expenses like nursing home bills.
What can you do about elder financial abuse?
Report the elder financial abuse to their bank, and enlist their banker’s help to stop it and prevent its recurrence. Contact Adult Protective Services in your town or state for help. Report all instances of elder financial abuse to your local police—if fraud is involved, they should investigate.