A senior advocate can provide information to the abused person and enable access to resources from community programs and social services. Any other person may also report suspected abuse and neglect. All reporters are immune from civil liability if they act in good faith and without malice. They are also protected from termination of employment. Health care providers can be found to be negligent if they fail to report suspected mistreatment.
Penalties can include fines, imprisonment or loss of licensure.
Reports of suspected elder mistreatment should be given to the state or county division of adult protective services. In the absence of such services, the reporter should contact the county extension office or the state's office of child and family services. In addition, any Area Agency on Aging would be able to provide assistance in reporting suspected mistreatment. Contacting the police is always an option, especially in an urgent situation. In the event that the older adult is a resident of a long term care facility, a separate mechanism often exists for investigating suspected mistreatment through the state agency that surveys these facilities.