The Elder Abuse Reporter Act (Chapter 604) became effective on July 1, 1983.  This law established legal reporting requirements and a protective services system for elders in Massachusetts who are victims of abuse, caretaker neglect, financial exploitation, and self-neglect.

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs has designated Bristol Elder Services Inc. as the agency responsible for protective and crisis services in 23 communities of the greater Attleboro, Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton areas.


Elder abuse takes on many forms.  The most obvious is physical abuse.  But it can also be emotional abuse, sexual abuse, caretaker neglect, financial exploitation, or self-neglect.

Indicators can be as obvious as bruises and lacerations or as subtle as changes in eating habits and declining self-esteem.  If you or someone you know is a victim of elder abuse or self-neglect, please call us at Bristol Elder Services.  We will work with you to offer whatever services you need.

Click here for a printable version of the Elder Abuse & Self Neglect Fact Sheet.

We are here to help you.  It just takes one call.  You can reach help anytime, day or night, by calling us at (508) 675-2101 or by calling the Elder Abuse Hotline at (800) 922-2275.


Reporting Elder Abuse and Self-Neglect

If you believe an elder is being abused, neglected, or financially exploited, or is endangering him or herself, you should make a report.  If you are a licensed professional such as a physician, social worker, nurse, emergency medical technician, police officer, or firefighter, you are mandated to report elder abuse and self-neglect.


Protective and Crisis Services

When your report is received by Bristol Elder Services, a crisis worker investigates your concerns.  If an elder is found to be abused, neglected by a caretaker, financially exploited, or self-neglecting, the crisis worker develops a plan with the elder to alleviate the abuse.  Referrals and in-house services, counseling, legal assistance, information, and support are offered as needed.

Crisis workers make every effort to help elders stay in their homes with appropriate services and supports.  They respect elders' rights to self-determination.  An elder always has the right to accept or reject services.


Who is eligible for Protective and Crisis Services?

Protective and crisis services are available to people of all income levels who are 60 years of age and older.

There are some exceptions.  One-time assaults by unknown assailants or fraud due to scam are reported to the local police department for investigation.  Abuse of residents by staff at nursing facilities is investigated by the Department of Public Health.