What is elder abuse?
Elder abuse is often perpetrated by a family member, caregiver, or someone providing care, including professionals. Two things can be true at the same time: a person can love their partner or family member and want the abuse to stop.
Elder abuse can take several forms:
Physical abuse: Hitting, slapping, restraining, or causing injury.
Emotional abuse: Threats, humiliation, intimidation, or isolation.
Financial exploitation: Misuse of money, property, or assets.
Neglect: Failure to provide food, shelter, medical care, or safety.
Self-neglect: When an older adult is unable to meet their own basic needs.
Sexual abuse: Nonconsensual sexual contact of any kind.
Isolation: Intentional separation from friends, family, or social activities, leading to emotional and psychological harm.
Several forms of abuse can happen at the same time. Elder abuse can happen to anyone, in any setting.
Warning signs to look for
The following changes or concerns may be signs of abuse.
Financial exploitation
- Changes in banking or spending patterns, or abrupt changes to wills or other financial documents.
- Unexplained credit charges, forged signatures, or unauthorized withdrawals.
Neglect or isolation
- Poor hygiene, sudden weight loss, dehydration, or malnutrition.
- Bedsores or unattended medical needs.
- Hazardous or unsanitary living conditions.
Physical abuse
- Unexplained injuries, such as bruises, broken bones, or abrasions.
- Broken eyeglasses or signs of being punished or restrained.
Sexual abuse
- Unexplained sexually transmitted infections, genital infections, or vaginal or anal bleeding.
- Changes in demeanor, such as showing fear when a specific person is around.
Emotional abuse
- Withdrawal from previously enjoyed activities or an unusual onset of depression.
- Increased agitation or unusual behavior, such as biting or rocking.
- Witnessing someone making threats or causing the older adult to feel fear or humiliation.
If you suspect abuse, trust your instincts and take action.
Reporting, resources, and support
What is a mandated reporter? Am I a mandated reporter?
Under Maine law, certain people must immediately report when they know or have reasonable cause to suspect that an incapacitated or dependent adult has been, or is likely to be, abused, neglected, or exploited. These individuals are called mandated reporters.
Mandated reporters include many professionals who work with older adults, as well as people in certain caregiving and volunteer roles.
View the full list of mandated reporters in Maine.
Are volunteers mandated reporters?
People who provide transportation as volunteers for an agency, business, or other organization are mandated reporters. The law also includes anyone who has assumed responsibility for the care or custody of an incapacitated or dependent adult, even occasionally and without pay.
Depending on their responsibilities, other volunteers may also qualify. Whether or not your role makes you a mandated reporter, knowing the signs of abuse matters when you:
- Help friends or neighbors with disabilities.
- Check in on older community members.
- Assist people with daily tasks.
- Drive someone to appointments or help with shopping.
- Offer programming for older community members.
These are all ways AgeMaine volunteers support our neighbors. If you notice signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, speak up and report your concerns. Your attention and care can help keep someone safe.
Read Maine’s frequently asked questions about mandated reporting.
Mandated reporter training
Maine law requires the professionals listed in Section 3477, subsection 1, paragraph A to complete DHHS-approved mandated reporter training at least once every four years.
Whether or not you are a mandated reporter, the training can help you recognize elder abuse, understand how to report concerns, and learn how to support our older neighbors.
How to respond or report
If you think someone is being abused, neglected, or exploited, don’t wait. Reporting is confidential, and you do not need proof to share a concern.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
To report a concern to Maine Adult Protective Services (APS):
Call 1-800-624-8404. APS staff are available to take calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If appropriate, a case manager will be assigned to work with the individual or family and help connect them with support.
Support for AgeMaine volunteers
Your Volunteer Program Supervisor, an AgeMaine staff member, can help you through the reporting process. Share your concerns promptly so they can support you without delaying a report.
Your supervisor can help by:
Calling APS with you.
Completing the APS online reporting form with you.
Providing guidance so you feel confident making a call or completing the form independently.
Discussing whether and how to follow up with the client.
Your Volunteer Program Supervisor will also document your concerns and the report in the client’s file for internal use.
If you are a mandated reporter, you are responsible for reporting directly to APS. Sharing your concerns with your supervisor does not replace that responsibility.
Reporting guides and resources
AgeMaine Volunteer Mandated Reporting Guidelines, from the volunteer handbook.
Reporting Guide and Tip Sheet, from our partners at Lifelong Maine.
Not sure if you need to report abuse?
You don’t have to sort through your concerns alone. Call A Helping Voice, a program of The Elder Institute of Maine, at 207.805.5555. Calls are anonymous.
A Helping Voice can listen to your concerns, help you understand whether to contact Adult Protective Services (APS), and make the call with you if needed.
If you’re an AgeMaine volunteer, your Volunteer Program Supervisor is also here to support you. Share your concerns promptly so they can help you understand the next steps.
If you are a mandated reporter, seeking guidance should not delay a required report to APS.
AgeMaine resources and support
AgeMaine offers practical help, education, and connections to trusted resources for older adults and those who care about them.
Caregiver Support – Respite, counseling, and education for family caregivers.
Case Management – Help navigating services and planning for safety.
Budgeting and Bill Paying Support – Volunteers work alongside you to organize bills, keep track of payments, and follow a budget.
Medicare Counseling – Help understanding coverage options for you or someone you love, along with fraud awareness and prevention.
Legal and Financial Resources – Connections to trusted local partners for legal assistance and financial management.
Call 207.396.6500 or email info@agamaine.org.
Additional community resources
Our partners at the York County Elder Abuse Task Force have gathered resources for people experiencing or recovering from abuse, neglect, or exploitation, as well as their caregivers and advocates. Their website includes private and government agencies that may be able to help, guides to common scams, and other safety tips.
Prevention and awareness
AgeMaine and our partners at the Elder Abuse Institute of Maine have created posters to help people recognize elder abuse and know where to turn for help. Sharing these resources can help start a conversation and connect someone with support.
Learn more
These videos and trainings offer a closer look at elder abuse, how to recognize it, and ways to respond.
Elder Abuse: Awareness, Response and Action
Part of Lifelong Maine’s Age-Friendly Skill Building Series.Elder Abuse Awareness Training
From the Pennsylvania Department of Aging.
Take action today
Report elder abuse if you suspect abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Volunteer with AgeMaine to help older neighbors stay connected and supported.
Donate to strengthen programs that help older adults stay safe.
