Elder Abuse

Even though abuse can still happen to anyone, these are some things you can do to try to protect yourself:

• make sure to seek and maintain social and community support to avoid isolation;
• have your own phone;
• take care of your health;
• seek professional help for drug, alcohol, and depression concerns;
• plan for your future with a power of attorney or a living will so that you can address health and lifestyle decisions now; (Note: If someone else prepares these documents and asks you to sign them, try to get advice from a lawyer before signing);
• post and open your mail - don’t let someone else do it for you;
• don’t give personal information over the phone; and
• use direct deposit for all checks.¹

To learn about your legal rights or to get help preparing legal documents, such as a will, you can find attorneys in your state on our Finding a Lawyer page. For non-legal resources, go to Where can I find additional resources and help for older adult abuse?

¹ “Elder Abuse Facts,” National Council on Aging