Massachusetts law requires physicians, nurses, dentists, social workers, police, firefighters, council on aging employees, assisted living personnel and others to file a report with the Department of Elder Affairs whenever they have reasonable cause to believe that an elderly person is suffering from or has died as a result of abuse. 

Elder abuse can also be defined as self-neglect. Self-neglecting elders are persons age 60 and older who have unmet essential needs. Essential needs can include food, clothing, safe and secure shelter, personal care and access to medical care.

Tens of thousands of seniors across the United States are abused or harmed in some substantial way, often by people who are directly responsible for their care.  If you suspect Elder Abuse is occuring to someone you know, call the Elder Abuse Hotline at: