Protective Services
Vulnerable & Older Adult Protective Services
The Huntingdon-Bedford-Fulton Area Agency on Aging
Report Abuse
After Business Hours, Holidays and Weekends Call 1-814-623-1105 or 1-800-490-8505
The Huntingdon-Bedford-Fulton Area Agency on Aging protects those individuals most vulnerable to abuse in the region: older adults and those with serious disabilities. We take our role of protecting these at-risk adults in our communities extremely seriously.
Types of Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation We Investigate
Our investigative team provides an in-depth assessment and investigation of all reported cases of suspected mistreatment in institutional settings as well as community and private settings (including homes). We protect those who lack the ability to protect themselves. Aside from legal protection for victims and those who report cases of abuse, we work closely with law enforcement to assist with securing charges as warranted for criminal acts including:
- Financial Abuse
- Abandonment
- Neglect
- Exploitation
- Physical Abuse
- Sexual Abuse
- Emotional & Psychological Abuse
Caring for others is stressful. Do you know someone who can benefit from taking a break from their caregiving responsibilities? The Pennsylvania Caregiver Support Program is here to help.
Services For Abuse Victims
Through coordination with appropriate local, state, and federal agencies, The Huntingdon-Bedford-Fulton Area Agency on Aging provides a wide range of services designed to help protect our elder and vulnerable adult population. When we receive a result of probable abuse and/or mistreatment, we are able to provide comprehensive protective services in accordance with the Adult Protective Services (APS) Law of 2010 and other pertinent laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In order to best prevent, detect, reduce and eliminate abuse and other criminal behavior that harms seniors and disabled adults, we offer several services including:
- Investigation of Allegations
- Client Evaluations (Risk of abuse, mental capacity, etc.)
- Access to Programs, Services & Benefits
- Personalized Safety Plans
- Counseling
- Ongoing Monitoring
- Coordination With Law Enforcement
Signs of Abuse
Abuse can happen to anyone at any time. Some of the most common signs of elder abuse in residents of nursing homes, private homes and long-term care facilities include:
- Bruises
- Broken Bones
- Weight Loss
- Confusion Blamed on “Old Age” When the Real Cause Is Malnutrition, Improper Medication Administration, Brain Injury, or Untreated Illness
- Burns
- Bedsores
- Cuts
- Bleeding
- Acts Frightened
- Rocking, Mumbling to Self
- Unable to Sleep/Eat
- Repeated Injuries
- Refusal to See a Doctor
- Signs of Confinement (Abrasions on Wrists and Ankles)
- Memory Loss
- Social Isolation
- Sexually Transmitted Infections
- Bruises On Both Sides of the -Body/Near Breasts or Genitals
- Personality Changes
- Torn or Bloody Clothes
- Bleeding
- Changes in Banking Habits
- Giving Away or Missing Money, Property, and Other Assets
- A New “Friend”
- Missing Financial Statements, Legal Documents, Unpaid Bills
- Threats of Eviction/Shut Off Utilities
- Unkempt Appearance
- Missing/Broken Glasses, Dentures, Hearing Aids, Walkers, etc.
There’s NO Excuse For Elder Abuse
Elder abuse is much more common than many realize. Some of the signs that are most associated with the normal aging process may actually be signs of abuse. As people age and rely on those around them for assistance with sensitive tasks, the risk for abuse, neglect, and exploitation increases. Caregivers, family members, neighbors, nursing home staff, court-appointed guardians, trusted authority figures, and others may be involved. Elder abuse can happen to anyone, anywhere. Most victims are afraid or embarrassed to report what is happening to them, so it is up to us all to know what to look for and report suspected abuse. The Huntingdon-Bedford-Fulton Area Agency on Aging can help your friend, loved one, or neighbor if he or she is being abused in any way. Abuse of our most vulnerable citizens is never okay.
Mandated Reporters
As mandated reporters, employees and administrators of nursing homes, personal care homes, domiciliary care homes, adult day care centers, home health care agencies, home care agencies and home care registries are required by law to report suspected abuse to the Area Agency on Aging.
How to Report Elder Abuse & Abuse of Adults With Disabilities
Do you suspect elder abuse or abuse of an adult with a disability? No proof of abuse is necessary. Call the Pennsylvania Statewide Adult Protective Services hotline 24-hours a day. Call: 1-814-623-1105 or 1-800-490-8505.
Report suspected abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation directly to the Huntingdon-Bedford-Fulton Area Agency on Aging from 8AM to 4PM, Monday through Friday except holidays by contacting your local county office or Protective Services at:
814-623-1105.
If you suspect that the victim is in immediate or impending danger, call 9-1-1.
Reporters can remain anonymous and have legal protection from retaliation, discrimination, and civil and criminal prosecution under the APS and OAPSA law.