resources for vulnerable adults

The definition of a vulnerable adult varies from state to state. In Maryland, a vulnerable adult is defined as a person aged 18 or over who lacks the physical or mental capacity to provide for her or his daily needs. Abuse and neglect of vulnerable adults includes: physical abuse (use of physical restraints), physical neglect (dehydration), psychological abuse (threats by caretaker), and financial neglect or exploitation (unusual activity in bank accounts).

National Adult Protective Services Association
The mission of the National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA) is to strengthen the capacity of adult protective services at the national, state, and local levels, to effectively and efficiently recognize, report, and respond to the needs of elders and adults with disabilities who are the victims of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, and to prevent such abuse whenever possible.

National Center on Elder Abuse
The mission of the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) is to improve response to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation by gathering, housing, disseminating, and stimulating innovative, validated methods of practice, education, research, and policy.

VictimConnect Resource Center
The VictimConnect Resource Center provides examples of elder abuse and neglect, provides action steps for victims of elder abuse and neglect, and lists resources. They also provide a helpline where victims of elder abuse and neglect can call to learn more about their rights and options. The number is 855-484-2846 and is available Monday-Friday from 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm ET.

American Society on Aging
The American Society on Aging (ASA) is the go-to source to cultivate leadership, advance knowledge and strengthen the skills of our members and others who work with and on behalf of older adults. They provide resources on the prevention of elder abuse, web seminars,  articles, and AgeBlog posts.