Minuteman Senior Services   Toll Free (888) 222-6171 or (781) 272-7177


Reporting Abuse or Neglect

If you have reason to believe you or someone you know, age 60 or older, is being abused, neglected, or exploited,
Report It!

Call us toll-free at
888-222-6171 or call the
Elder Abuse Hotline
800-922-2275.

Elder Abuse & Neglect

Find out about our Support Group for Women Ages 60+ - On-going, call for information

Protective Services for elders age 60 and over

What is elder abuse?
The Elder Abuse Law, enacted in Massachusetts in 1983, defines elder abuse as any act or omission
which results in serious physical or emotional injury to, or financial exploitation of, an elder. This includes:
  • Physical Abuse: non-accidental use of physical force that results in bodily injury, pain,
    or impairment or threats of physical abuse

  • Sexual Abuse: non-consensual sexual contact of any kind

  • Emotional Abuse: non-accidental infliction of serious emotional injury including severe anxiety,
    fear, depression, or withdrawal

  • Neglect: intentional or non-intentional failure by a caregiver to provide one or more of the necessities essential for physical, intellectual, and emotional well-being, such as food, shelter, medical, or personal care

  • Financial Exploitation: the non-accidental act or omission by another person without the consent of the elder which causes substantial monetary or property loss to the elder, or substantial monetary or property gain to the other person

  • Self Neglect: failure or refusal by an elder to provide for one or more of his/her essential needs, including food, clothing, shelter, personal care, supervision and medical care.
How is elder abuse reported?
During regular work hours, Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, abuse may be reported by calling the Protective Services Department at Minuteman Senior Services at 781-272-7177 or toll free 888-222-6171. After work hours, nights, and weekends, abuse should be reported to the state-wide Elder Abuse toll-free hotline: 1-800-922-2275. A protective services worker will be on call to respond, if necessary.

Minuteman Senior Services has been designated by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs to investigate all reports of elder abuse in its 16-town service area. Anyone suspecting an elder is being abused should call the protective services staff. Staff are also available for consultation.

Who is covered by the elder abuse law?
Every individual age 60 or over living in the community who suffers physical or emotional injury, is neglected or financially exploited by a person(s) with whom he/she has an on-going relationship such as a relative, friend, or caregiver is covered by the law.

Who must report elder abuse?
Mandated reporters subject to fine under the law for failure to report abuse include: physicians and medical interns, dentists, nurses, family counselors, probation officers, social workers, police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, licensed psychologists, coroners, registered physical therapists and occupational therapists, podiatrists, executive directors of homemaker service agencies, and executive directors of licensed home health agencies.

Mandated reporters not subject to fine include: executive directors of home care corporations, case managers, homemakers, home health aide or other staff of home care corporations, licensed home health agencies or homemaker service agencies who are not licensed social workers, nurses or counselors, psychologists or family.

Anyone reporting alleged abuse in good faith shall not be liable in any civil or criminal action provided he/she did not inflict the abuse. The identity of the reporter is strictly confidential.

What happens after a report is made?
Once the report is determined to fall within the program statute, a social worker will be assigned. Protective Services staff, sensitive to the needs of elders, will balance the mandate to protect elders with an elder's right to self-determination. If there is reasonable cause to believe abuse has taken place, a case will be opened and protective services offered. Protective services may include home care services, medical treatment, counseling, legal services, information and support. Staff will exercise the least restrictive means of intervention, with the goal of maintaining elders in their own homes. A competent elder has the right to accept or refuse protective services.

Services are funded by grants from the Executive Office of Elder Affairs.


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