Report Elder Abuse

According to Connecticut Law, mandated reporters are generally anyone paid to care for older adults in any capacity such as: licensed or unlicensed professionals, physicians, surgeons, interns, nurses, patients’ advocates (excluding the Long-term Care Ombudsman staff and volunteers), medical examiners, dentists, optometrists, chiropractors, podiatrists, social workers, clergymen, police officers, pharmacists, psychologists, physical therapists, nursing home staff, emergency medical personnel, and any person paid for caring for an older adult by any institution, organization, agency, or facility, such as homemakers or companions. For the complete list, click here.

They are required to report suspected elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation or abandonment. They must alert the appropriate parties of their suspicion within 24 hours after the suspicion or belief arouse. Failure to do so can result in fines up to $500 and misdemeanor charges. 

If the older adult in question lives in a long-term care facility, then mandated reporters must follow procedures and complete the “Mandated Reporter Form for Long-term Care Facilities” (W-410), and fax it to the Department of Social Services, Social Work at 1-860-424-5091.

For additional information about Protective Services for the Elderly at the Department of Social Services, click here.