PM 01-05-03: Suspected Elder Abuse and Neglect - Community Cases

WAG 01-05-03

The Elder Abuse and Neglect Act requires a DHS employee to report suspected abuse of a person age 60 or older:

• with whom they have contact in a working capacity and
• who, because of dysfunction, is unable to report for themselves.

Dysfunction is any physical or mental condition which renders an older person unable to seek help for themselves. Such conditions might include dementia, paralysis, speech disorders, being confined to bed, or unable to reach or use a telephone.