Our Mission
“To improve the national response to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation by gathering, housing, disseminating, and stimulating innovative, validated methods of practice, education, research, and policy.”
Who We Are
The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) is a national resource center dedicated to the prevention of elder maltreatment. The NCEA was first established by the U.S. Administration on Aging (AoA) in 1988 as a demonstration project on abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Given permanent status in the 1992 amendments to Title II of the Older Americans Act, the NCEA provides professionals, policymakers, and the public information and resources on elder abuse prevention and response to help ensure that older adults age with dignity and respect, free from maltreatment. The NCEA is a managed by the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California (90-AB-0002)
What is Elder Abuse?
Elder abuse is any intentional or negligent act by a caregiver or a trusted person that causes or creates a serious risk of harm to an older adult.
Suspect Abuse?
If you have a reasonable suspicion that abuse or neglect has been or is being committed, contact the appropriate authority referenced below. You do not need proof of confirmed maltreatment to make a report. Professionals will investigate suspected claims of elder mistreatment.
Connect with Us
IMPORTANT: The NCEA is not a reporting or investigatory agency, and cannot intervene directly in cases of suspected elder abuse. If you have a reasonable suspicion that abuse or neglect has been or is being committed, contact the appropriate authority referenced here. If the situation is serious, threatening, or dangerous, call 911 or the local police for immediate help.
