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Elder Abuse, Fraud and Exploitation

If you or a loved one are being abused, neglected or exploited, please immediately call Protective Services for the Elderly at the Connecticut Department of Social Services during business hours at the toll-free line: 1.888.385.4225.

After business hours, on weekends, or on state holidays, please call Infoline at 211. If you are calling from outside Connecticut, call Infoline 24/7 at 1.800.203.1234.

The Facts About Elder Abuse

  • One in 5 elders reported emotional, physical, or sexual abuse or potential neglect (2024).
  • The National Elder Abuse Incidence Study estimated that only 1 in 24 cases of elder abuse ever comes to the attention of authorities.
  • In almost 47% of elder abuse and neglect incidents, the perpetrator is a family member. Two-thirds of perpetrators are adult children or spouses.
  • Financial exploitation is on the rise. The annual financial loss by victims of elder financial exploitation was estimated to be $28 billion in 2024, a dramatic increase from $2.9 billion 2008.

References: NCOA

We’re Committed to Addressing Elder Abuse

AOASCC is addressing elder abuse through education, advocacy and resources. Here’s how.

TEARS - Timely Elder Abuse Resource Services™

Each year, AOASCC sponsors TEARS, the largest conference on elder abuse for professionals in Connecticut. The conference provides education from renowned experts, time to network with others in the aging network and interaction with service providers from a wide range of for-profit and non-profit organizations.

Community Training

Does you organization want to know more about elder abuse, fraud and exploitation? Our SMP staff and volunteers are available to provide information on health care fraud. We also have experts on staff available to speak on a broad range of elder abuse topics.

Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)

Unlike Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage (MA, Part C) and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D) are administered, marketed, and sold by private insurance companies. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has guidelines for marketing Part C and Part D insurance that protect Medicare beneficiaries from manipulative and deceptive sales and enrollment tactics.

Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) empowers and assists Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent, detect, and report health care fraud, errors and abuse through outreach, counseling and education. SMP volunteers have an important role to play in addressing healthcare fraud. Contact us if you think you've been scammed, or to volunteer.

Tip Sheet Learn More

Further Resources

As an Area Agency on Aging, AOASCC is required to make a report if we have reason to believe that one of our clients has been or is currently a victim of abuse, abandonment, neglect, and/or financial exploitation. We are committed to our role of helping to ensure that you or your loved one is safe from harm and abuse.