Older adults could face increased risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. They might also face issues with housing, domestic violence, or consumer fraud. Elderly persons deserve equal justice. Get valuable resources for ensuring justice for the elderly.
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Report Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation
The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) of the New Jersey Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor responds to issues of fraud, abuse or neglect involving Medicaid recipients. Call their hotline at 1-877-55-FRAUD (1-877-553-7283) or 1-609-292-1272 for elder justice questions and issues, including to report abuse.
The New Jersey Adult Protective Services run programs in every county to investigate issues of abuse of individuals living on their own in the community. Use this service to report abuse.
The New Jersey Long-Term Care Ombudsman provides valuable resources for the elderly living in nursing homes or other care facilities and their loved ones. You can also file a complaint through their office.
Older individuals are also vulnerable to insurance fraud. Report insurance fraud concerns to the Attorney General’s Office.
Learn About Domestic Violence and Elder Abuse
Domestic Violence refers to any violence that occurs inside the home. This includes elder abuse from a family member or other resident in a shared home. Visit our Domestic Violence Self-Help center for resources to report and stop domestic elder abuse.
Access the Stop Elder Abuse brochure. It provides information and resources on identifying, reporting and stopping abuse.
This Abuse in Later Life Wheel discusses types of abuse and tactics abusers use. It helps you to recognize the signs and patterns of abuse so you can intervene.
Access this Brochure on the Signs of Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation.
Have additional questions? Visit the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) FAQ.
Guardianship of Incapacitated Adults and Supported Decision-Making
Some older adults have disabilities that make them unable to make decisions for themselves. They may need a court-appointed guardian to handle their affairs. Others may simply need support from people they trust to help them make their own decisions, instead of a court-appointed guardian making decisions for them.
Visit our resource center for Adult Guardianship. Get information on obtaining a guardianship and reporting suspected abuse. Or you can contact your County Surrogate for more information.
Some individuals in need of guardianship may be eligible for the New Jersey Office of the Public Guardian for the Elderly. Visit the office website for more information on their role and services.
Financial abuse is another form of vulnerability for the elderly. Resources are available to help financial caregivers manage someone else’s money. Access guides on overseeing someone else’s finances.
The National Center for State Courts (NCSC) provides guidance on finding the right fit in elder care. You can also get information on the role of the decision-maker or advocate. The National Center on Law & Elder Rights provides a resource for supporting an elderly person.
The American Bar Association also provides resources for decision-making support. Access their guide for Supported Decision-Making in Later Life. You can follow that up with the How Supported Decision Making Works for Older Adults guide.
The ACLU provides a resource library for supported decision-making.
Visit the National Resource Center for Supported Decision-Making for more information and resources.
Housing Issues
Some elderly persons might face issues of foreclosure or eviction. The following information could help in these cases.
Visit our Foreclosure Self-Help center for options in foreclosure cases.
If facing an eviction, visit our Landlord-Tenant Self-Help center.
The NJ Department of Community Affairs also provides housing and community affairs resources.
Consumer Fraud
The Division of Consumer Affairs provides a handbook for the Senior Fraud Education and Protection Program. The division also provides an anti-fraud toolkit. Both resources can help you combat consumer fraud against the elderly.
Get Legal Help for Older Adults
NJCourts provides several resources to assist you with legal issues. You can visit our Self-Help center for help with a variety of legal issues. You can contact the Legal Services Office in your county. You can also contact your local ombudsman for court support and services. New Jersey is also dedicated to providing ADA accommodations in court.
Legal Services of New Jersey provides a wide range of options for legal help. On a federal level, the Department of Justice provides an Elder Justice Initiative. The Department of Health and Human Services also provides resources for Elder Justice.
Resources for Elder Care and Support
Part of providing elder justice and preventing abuse is providing quality care. The following resources can help with ensuring elder care.
- NJ Department of Human Services, Division of Aging. The division provides a list of services to support the elderly. Find a program that works for you.
- NJ Department of Human Services Aging and Disability Resource Connection provides answers to common searches for elder care providers and programs such as home-delivered meals, transportation, and prescription drug assistance.
- The Aging & Disability Resource Connection/Area Agency on Aging (ADRC/AAA). This program from the Department of Human services provides support by county. Learn more about the program and how it can help.
- NJ Department of Health – Your Health. Access a list of health and care resources for seniors.
- NJ Department of Health – Facilities. Get information on nursing homes and other care facilities.
- Alzheimer’s New Jersey. This helpline is available for assistance with Alzheimer and dementia patients.
- Regional Crisis Hotline. The New Jersey Technical Institute provides a list of emergency hotlines by area through the state.
- Mental Health and Addiction Services. Resources for support from the Department of Human Services.