If you live suspect elder abuse or neglect in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, the county asks that you contact them directly to file a complaint. This snippet from their website outlines their policy and contact number for reporting abuse or neglect:
Protective Services care management is an intense level of service providing investigations and interventions to protect the health, safety and welfare of adults who are unable to protect themselves and are at imminent risk of abuse, neglect, exploitation or abandonment. A report of abuse can be filed 24 hours a day by contacting Lehigh County Aging and Adult Services at (610) 782-3034 or the elder abuse hotline at 1-800-490-8505. It is important to file a report in a timely manner, therefore staff is available 24 hours a day to receive this information.
Report of abuse can remain anonymous and reports can be made on behalf of an adult whether the adult resides in the community or in a nursing home, personal care home or hospital. Individuals who report abuse also have legal protection from retaliation, discrimination and civil or criminal prosecution.
Employees and administrators of nursing homes, personal care homes, domiciliary care homes, adult day care centers and home health care are mandated to report any abuse. If the abuse involves serious injury, sexual abuse or suspicious death, reports are also required to contact the police and the Pennsylvania Department of Aging.
Each report of abuse must be investigated to determine if the adult needs help being protected from abuse, neglect, exploitation or abandonment.
To better understand elder abuse, visit the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) site that serves as a resource dedicated to the prevention of elder mistreatment.
If you need further information or legal advice regarding elder abuse or neglect, contact our Pennsylvania office at (215) 567-2380 or fill out the form on the left side of the page. You will be contacted by our intake specialist within 12 hours to discuss your case.
Related Information: