How to report senior care abuse and neglect

Key contacts and sources for information:

To report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation of adults 65 or older: 

For immediate help, call local law enforcement at 911.

If the person is in an assisted living or personal care home or other long-term care facility, notify the facility manager and call the Georgia Department of Community Health, Healthcare Facility Regulation. The toll-free number is 1-800-878-6442.

If the abuse or neglect occurs in a person's home, call the Georgia Division of Aging Services' Adult Protective Services. In the Atlanta area, call 1-866-552-4464. Reports are accepted by phone 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Reports can be made online here.

To file complaints about long-term care facilities: 

Call the Georgia Long-Term Care Ombudsman toll-free at 866-552-4464, then choose option 5. Concerns also can be reported online here.

Contact the Georgia Department of Community Health Healthcare Facility Regulation, 1-800-878-6442. Complaints also can be filed online here.

To find elder care resources and get help determining what type of care is appropriate: 

Contact Empowerline, which serves the 10-county Atlanta region and features a comprehensive database of local services and supports available for older adults and individuals with disabilities. Empowerline's information and referral services are provided at no cost through the federally authorized network of Aging and Disability Resource Centers. Certified professionals and online resources are at empowerline.org or by calling 404-463-3333.

To find similar agencies out of the Atlanta area, go to the Georgia Aging & Disability Resource Connection.

MORE LINKS AND RESOURCES:

» The AJC’s ‘Unprotected’ series on senior care facilities

» The AJC’s consumer guide to senior care