Abuse of Older Persons

Elder abuse is an intentional or negligent act by any person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to an older adult. According to the United States Department of Justice, about 10% of those age 65 and older experience some type of elder abuse each year. Many older adults may experience abuse at the hands of a trusted individual or loved one.  There are five subtypes of abuse:

·         Physical Abuse
·         Psychological abuse
·         Financial Exploitation
·         Neglect and abandonment
·         Sexual abuse

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outlines in great detail the impact of abuse on older adults, including, but not limited to, fear, depression, anxiety, social withdrawal, disability, financial vulnerability, and even death.

Addressing the abuse of older adults requires a collective effort, including raising public awareness, training and supporting caregivers, and creating systems for reporting and protection. Community interventions like public health campaigns and strengthened legal protections are essential for preventing abuse and preserving the dignity of older adults.

In the state of Tennessee, each department or agency defines older adult abuse differently. To learn more about what defines abuse in the state of Tennessee, click here.

Do You Suspect Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation?

Duty to Report Abuse, Neglect or Exploitation – T.C.A. 71-6-103(b)

Tennessee law provides that "any person having reasonable cause to suspect that an adult has suffered abuse, neglect, or exploitation, shall report or cause reports to be made" giving such information to the Department. The law states that death of the adult does not relieve one of the responsibilities for reporting the circumstances surrounding the death.   

In cases of immediate danger, you should contact your local police department or call 911 to ensure the safety of the older person.

Adult Protective Services

Toll Free 1-888-APS-TENN (1-888-277-8366) or Report Online

The  Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) Adult Protective Services staff investigates reports of abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of adults who are unable to protect themselves. The investigation process is outlined on the DHS-Adult Protective Services website.  Also see DHS's brochure about Stopping Abuse of the Elderly and Vulnerable Adults May Start With You.

Tennessee Relay Services

Reachable at any of the following telephone numbers.

Click for More Information 

Tennessee Abuse Registry

The Abuse Registry in Tennessee is maintained by the Tennessee Health Facilities Commission. Abuse registry includes name of persons who have abused, neglected, exploited or misappropriated the property of vulnerable persons. Under Tennessee Code Annotated (T.C.A) § 68-11-1004, no employee or volunteer whose name is listed on the Abuse Registry may be hired or otherwise permitted to provide services to “vulnerable persons”, as defined by T.C.A. § 68-11-1002(6). When using the link below to check to see if a person’s name is on the Abuse Registry, we strongly recommend that you search by Social Security number.

Click to verify if someone is included in the registry.

Tennessee Attorney General's Office

The Tennessee Attorney General's Office, Division of Consumer Affairs strives to protect consumers and businesses from those who engage in illegal activity and encourages the development of fair consumer practices and promotes consumer education. Visit their website to learn more about protecting you and your loved ones from scams, accesses consumer resources, and to file a complaint.

The Tennessee Attorney General's Office, Division of Consumer Affairs 

Do you need to report identity theft?

Visit IdentityTheft.gov.

Do you need to file a health care provider or facility complaint? 

Contact the Tennessee Health Facilities Commission in the event you need to file a complaint against a health care provider or health care facility.

Toll free, 1-877-287-0010, or on the Commission's website.
 

Resources

• TN Department of Human Services, Stopping Abuse of the Elderly & Vulnerable Adults May Start with You
• TN Department of Commerce & Insurance, Elder Abuse Awareness Resource
• Elder Abuse Prevention Council (EAPC), It Takes a Community to Prevent Elder Abuse Flyer
• June 15^th: World Elder Abuse Day Materials
• Elder and Vulnerable Adult Training