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Elder Abuse Reporting & Prevention

Elder Abuse Reporting & Prevention

If you suspect that someone is at risk or is the victim of elder abuse, you can report them.

Who Reports?

You do! If you suspect that someone is at risk or is the victim of elder abuse, you can report the suspected report to Adult Protective Services at your local Department of Social or Human Services.

If you are concerned that an older or disabled adult is in immediate danger, call 911 right away.

Why Report?

Because it’s the law! North Carolina law requires reporting when anyone suspects that an older adult or an adult with a disability is being abused, neglected, or exploited. The reporter’s name is always kept confidential and reporters are protected from civil and criminal liability for good faith reports.

What Information Will I Need?

Provide as much information as you have, but do not let lack of information stop you from making a report.

  • Name, address, age or date of birth of the individual
  • Caregiver’s name (if any)
  • Explanation of the situation
  • Mental or physical condition of the individual
  • Names of others who may have information

Where to Report?

Report abuse to your County’s Adult Protective Services (APS) team in the Department of Social Services (DSS):

To find DSS and APS contacts for counties outside of the High Country region, visit the NC Department of Health and Human Services website and select the county where the person needing assistance lives.

For suspected abuse in Nursing Homes, contact the Division of Health Service Regulation at 1-800-624-3004.

For suspected abuse in Adult Care Homes, contact the local Department of Social Services in the county where the affected person lives.

Commonly Asked Questions

Elder abuse occurs when the caretaker of an adult with a disability causes physical or mental pain, unreasonable confinement, or willful deprivation.

Signs of Abuse:

  • Unusual or unexplained bruises, welts, fractures or burns.
  • Bedsores, unexplained weight loss, abnormally dry skin or lips.
  • Inadequate shelter or medical care.
  • Inappropriate clothing for weather or conditions.
  • Any willful confinement in a dangerous environment.

If you suspect abuse, neglect, or exploitation, report it to your county’s Adult Protective Services team (see “Where to Report?” above), or call 911 if someone is in immediate danger.

If you suspect abuse, neglect, or exploitation, report it to your county’s Adult Protective Services team (see “Where to Report?” above), or call 911 if someone is in immediate danger.

If you suspect abuse, neglect, or exploitation, report it to your county’s Adult Protective Services team (see “Where to Report?” above), or call 911 if someone is in immediate danger.

If you suspect abuse, neglect, or exploitation, report it to your county’s Adult Protective Services team (see “Where to Report?” above), or call 911 if someone is in immediate danger.

If you suspect abuse, neglect, or exploitation, report it to your county’s Adult Protective Services team (see “Where to Report?” above), or call 911 if someone is in immediate danger.