What You Should Know about Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation
Legal services for the Elderly can help you or a loved one if you suspect abuse or exploitation. Please call our
Helpline at 1-800-750-5353 for Legal Assistance.
Elder Abuse takes many forms and typically victims are subjected to more than one type of mistreatment.
In 2000, approximately 12,000 Maine seniors were victims of abuse. It is likely that 75-85% of incidents of elder
abuse in Maine are unreported.
According to the AARP, family members were the abusers in nine out of ten substantiated incidents of elder abuse
and neglect.
According to the National Center of Elder Abuse, adult children are the most frequent abusers of the elderly
in domestic settings, and spouses are the second most frequent abusers.
Elder Abuse can be:
- Physical
- Sexual
- Emotional
- Confinement
- Neglect of medical care, mental or social stimulation, personal hygiene or daily necessities
- Willful deprivation of food, shelter, water, clothes or supervision
- Financial exploitation of the victim’s money, assets or property; forcing signatures on powers of attorneys
and other legal documents; forcing will changes; grossly overcharging for rent, personal items or services
- Fraud
Elder Abuse can be:
- Intentional or unintentional
- Caused by economic or emotional dependency by the elder or the abuser
- Caused by stress, mental illness and/or a substance abuse problem which allows the caregiver to lose control
What do I do if I am a victim of elder abuse or suspect elder abuse?
Seek Legal Help
LEGAL SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY (LSE)
A statewide agency committed to protecting the dignity and independence of older persons; Call:
1-800-750-5353
LSE can:
- File Protection from Abuse/Harassment motions
- Create and revoke Powers of Attorneys
- Provide litigation services for evictions, financial exploitation, and recovery of property and money
- Coordinate services with Adult Protective Services
Report Elder Abuse
ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES (APS)
Maine Bureau of Elder and Adult Services
24 Hour hotline: 1-800-624-8404
APS can:
- Investigate reports of abuse, neglect or exploitation
- Arrange services to help adults be as safe and independent as possible
- Seek guardianships/conservatorships of adults who are unable to make decisions for themselves and have no suitable
family or friend to help them.
APS reports are confidential and immune from civil suit if made in good faith.
Get more information about elder abuse and financial exploitation.
