Open and honest information serves as the cornerstone of our efforts to combat mistreatment effectively. It provides a clear picture of each incident, enabling us to understand its full scope and develop tailored solutions. By fostering transparency, we build trust and ensure that every voice is heard, empowering us to create safer environments for seniors. Please tell us as much information as possible:

1. What Happened:
   Provide a detailed description of the incident. Include specific actions, behaviors, and events that constitute mistreatment. The more precise and clear the account, the better we can understand and address the issue.
2. Who is Involved:
   Identify all parties involved in the incident. This includes the person(s) who experienced mistreatment and any witnesses or perpetrators. Clear identification helps in the investigation process.
3. When it Happened:
   Document the date and time of the incident. Accurate timing can be crucial for investigating and understanding the context of the mistreatment.
4. Where it Happened:
   Specify the location where the incident occurred. Knowing the exact place can provide context and assist in the investigation.
5. Evidence:
   Include any evidence that supports the report. This can be in the form of photos, videos, documents, or witness statements. Evidence strengthens the report and aids in the investigation.
6. Impact:
   Describe the impact of the mistreatment on the senior. This includes physical, emotional, and psychological effects. Understanding the impact helps tailor the response and support needed.
7. Duration:
   Indicate how long the mistreatment has been occurring. This helps in understanding the severity and persistence of the issue.
8. Actions Taken:
   Detail any steps that have been taken to stop the mistreatment. This includes any interventions, reporting to authorities, or protective measures already in place.
9. Witness Statements:
   Include statements from anyone who witnessed the incident. Firsthand accounts from witnesses can provide valuable perspectives and additional details.
10. Previous Incidents:
    Mention if there have been any previous incidents of mistreatment involving the same parties. This can help in identifying patterns of behavior and the need for more urgent interventions.

By ensuring these key features are included in every report, we can effectively address and resolve incidents of mistreatment, ensuring the safety and well-being of seniors

When mistreatment is not reported effectively, the outcomes can be devastating:

• Unaddressed Abuse: Failure to report mistreatment can result in continued abuse, causing further physical, emotional, and psychological harm to the senior.
• Lack of Accountability: Perpetrators of mistreatment may not be held accountable, allowing them to continue their abusive behavior towards other seniors.
• Missed Opportunities for Support: Seniors may miss out on critical support services that could aid in their recovery and improve their quality of life.
• Inadequate Investigation: Reports that lack sufficient detail or are not followed up on properly can lead to cases being dropped or not thoroughly investigated.

The problem by the numbers

• According to the National Council on Aging, only 1 in 24 cases of elder abuse is reported to authorities.
• Studies indicate that approximately 50% of elder abuse cases reported to Adult Protective Services (APS) are not substantiated due to lack of evidence or inadequate reporting.
• The World Health Organization reports that elder abuse prevalence rates are high in institutions like nursing homes and long-term care facilities, where reporting mechanisms are often lacking.

By addressing the problems associated with ineffective reporting and providing a comprehensive advocacy service, we work tirelessly to protect seniors and ensure they receive the justice and support they deserve.

Reports are handled with strict confidentiality and privacy. We only share information we have permission to disclose, ensuring names, incidents, locations, or types of mistreatment remain private without permission. This approach builds trust and safety, encouraging open sharing:

1. Contact Us: Reach out to our HelpDesk to report mistreatment. You can contact us via phone, email, or our online form, ensuring a method that is convenient and comfortable for you.
2. Provide Information: Share the details of the incident, including what happened, who was involved, when and where it occurred, and any evidence you have. This information helps us understand the situation fully.
3. Review the Report: Our Senior Advocates review the details provided to ensure all necessary information is included and to understand the full context of the incident.
4. Contact the Reporter: If contact information is provided, we reach out to clarify details and gather any additional information that may be needed.
5. Assign an Ombudsman: A certified Long-Term Care Ombudsman is assigned to the case to ensure expert handling of the investigation.
6. Conduct Investigation: The Ombudsman leads a thorough investigation, which includes interviewing the senior, witnesses, and alleged perpetrators, and reviewing any submitted evidence.
7. Develop an Action Plan: Based on the findings, we develop an action plan to address the mistreatment. This plan may include contacting authorities, providing support services, and implementing protective measures.
8. Provide Support: We offer support services to the senior and their family throughout the investigation and resolution process, ensuring they have access to necessary resources and assistance.
9. Follow-Up: We follow up with the senior and their family to ensure the mistreatment has been addressed and to provide ongoing support if needed.
10. Document and Report: All findings and actions taken are documented thoroughly. If necessary, we report the incident to relevant authorities to ensure further action and compliance with legal requirements.
11. Maintain Confidentiality: Throughout the process, we maintain strict confidentiality, sharing only what we have consent to disclose and protecting the identities and details involved.
12. Continuous Monitoring: We continue to monitor the situation to ensure that the mistreatment does not recur and that the senior remains safe and supported.
13. Feedback and Improvement: We seek feedback from the senior and their family to improve our reporting and response processes, ensuring we continually enhance our support and advocacy efforts.

"Effective Reporting" involves our support team and others who might be involved to provide clarity and ensure effective reporting. If we are unable to reach an agreement or resolution after our investigation, we collaborate with authorities to ensure that reports of mistreatment are handled promptly and effectively:

• Senior Advocates:
  • Role: Listen to your concerns and take the report.
  • Qualifications: Ensure all details are included before passing the report to the Ombudsman for investigation.
• Certified Ombudsman:
  • Role: Review the report and conduct an onsite visit.
  • Responsibility: Investigate the case, talk to all parties involved, and gather evidence to ensure a thorough resolution.
• Legal Advisors:
  • Role: Offer legal support and resources to protect seniors' rights and interests.
  • Qualifications: Professionals with expertise in elder law, estate planning, and legal advocacy.
• Educators and Trainers:
  • Role: Provide training and educational resources to caregivers and family members.
  • Qualifications: Experts in elder care education, senior rights, and mistreatment prevention.
• Collaboration with Authorities:
  • Adult Protective Services (APS) via DCF: Collaborate with APS by way of our partnership with the Department of Children and Families to ensure the safety and protection of seniors who are victims of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
  • Law Enforcement Agencies: Work with local police and other law enforcement personnel to intervene in cases of criminal mistreatment, provide immediate protection, and assist with legal actions.
  • Healthcare Providers: Coordinate with doctors, nurses, and mental health professionals to document and treat any physical or mental health issues resulting from mistreatment.
  • Legal Services: Engage with attorneys and legal aid organizations to offer advice, representation, and support in legal matters related to mistreatment, such as obtaining restraining orders or pursuing legal action against abusers.
  • Social Services Agencies: Connect with local and state social services agencies to provide additional resources and support, such as housing assistance, counseling, and social services.
  • Long-Term Care Facilities: Collaborate with staff and management of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and shelters to investigate and resolve issues for seniors living in these environments.
  • Home Care Agencies: Work with home care providers and community services to support seniors living at home.
  • Hospitals and Rehabilitation Centers: Liaise with healthcare providers to address concerns for seniors visiting hospitals or staying in rehabilitation centers.

Your report will help us better understand and address mistreatment in various settings, including nursing care facilities, private homes, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and situations of homelessness. Submit a report for free today to advocate for seniors' rights and ensure their safety.