PD

Chapter 19A sec. 14-26 enacted on July 1,1983 protects elderly persons (60 years of age and older) from any situation of SERIOUS emotional and/or physical abuse. Abusive situations may also include coercion, intimidation and threats, abandonment, and protecting elders from financial exploitation.

Self abuse and self-neglect by the elderly are NOT covered under this law. Also exempt are situations in which an elderly person is being furnished with or relies upon treatment in accordance with their respective church or religious denomination.

The following professionals are mandated reporters and are subject to a fine for a failure to report:

Any physician, medical intern, dentist, nurse, family counselor, probation officer, social worker, policeman, fire fighter, emergency medical technician, licensed psychologist, coroner, registered physical therapist, registered, occupational therapist, osteopath, podiatrist, executive director of a licensed home health agency, Physician’s assistant, executive director of an assisted living facility, or executive director of a homemaker service agency.

Other professionals who are mandated reporters but are not subject to fines include:

Any executive director of a Home Care Corporation, homemaker, home health aide, case manager or other staff of a Home Care Corporation, licensed home health agency, or homemaker service agency who is not a licensed social worker, nurse, licensed psychologist, or family councilor.

Please Note: No mandated reporter shall be liable in any civil or criminal action as a result of making a report. The existence of a social worker client privilege or a patient psychotherapist DOES NOT prohibit the filing of a report.

Reports can be made directly to Coastline Elderly Services, Inc. at any time 24 hours a day(508-999-6400) or to the Executive Officer of Elder Affairs’ Elder Abuse Hotline(1-800-922-2275) or call the Dartmouth Police Department (508-910-1735). The reporters identity may be confidential if requested.

Has the victim stated that specific types of abuse have occurred?
(i.e hitting, threats, verbal attacks)
Is the victim in fear of the abuser?
In cases of neglect, is the caretaker refusing to provide care for the elderly person?
Does the alleged abuse constitute an emergency?
Are any other agency’s that you may have knowledge about involved?
In cases of financial exploitation, has there been significant loss to the elder or significant finacial gain to the other person?

If the answer to these questions is "YES" or you feel that a person is in any type of danger, then PLEASE call the Police ! Remember, you could save a life !

Once forwarded, the Protective Service supervisor will make a decision as to whether the intake falls within the guidelines of Chapter 19A sec. 14-26. If the report is within the guidelines, it will be investigated by a Protective Service worker. Emergency situations will be investigated within 24 hours of the report. If, following the investigation, it is decided that an abusive situation exists; a service plan will be established and implemented, with the consent and input of the elder. The least restrictive options to alleviate the abuse or neglect will be employed. The Protective Service worker remains with each assigned case until the abusive situation is resolved or the elder refuses further intervention.