Boston Elder Protective Services Program at Ethos
617.522.6700 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–5:00 pm)
Elder Abuse Hotline
800.922.2275 (available 24/7)
The Boston Elder Protective Services Program at Ethos assists elders 60 years and older who are at high risk and are suffering from either from self-neglect, neglect, physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse or financial exploitation .
What the Program Does
The Boston Elder Protective Services Program intervenes in situations where abuse or neglect endangers an elder's health and well-being in any way. The source of this abuse or neglect may be intentional or unintentional, and can take many forms, including:
- Physical Abuse
- Emotional Abuse
- Sexual Abuse
- Financial Exploitation
- Neglect
- Self-Neglect
Who Can Report
People in the community are encouraged to contact the Boston Elder Protective Services Program if they are concerned that an elder is at serious risk. Certain professionals are mandated by law to report suspected cases of elder abuse, neglect and self-neglect, including physicians, social workers, psychologists, nurses, police, firefighters. All reports remain confidential.
Where to Call
Boston Elder Protective Services Program at Ethos
617.522.6700 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–5:00 pm)
or the
Elder Abuse Hotline
800.922.2275 (available 24/7)
How Ethos Follows Up
The professionally trained caseworkers at Ethos investigate reports of neglect or abuse, and then create a service plan to remedy the situation quickly. While the elder is the primary client, Ethos caseworkers also confer with caregivers and healthcare professionals to assess needs. In keeping with the right to self-determination, this state-funded program fully respects elders’ choice to accept or refuse Protective Services intervention, provided they have the capacity to make their own decisions.
What Services Are Available
The Elder Protective Services team works to remedy specific problems in the least restrictive manner possible. The intention is not to be punitive, but rather to assist elders and their caretakers in resolving situations with the least amount of disruption to the elder’s life. Among the services that Boston Protective Services might recommend are:
- Meals on Wheels
- Home Care Services
- Alternative Housing
- Crisis Intervention, Counseling, Safety Planning
- Referrals to Doctors
- Guardianship, Restraining Orders, Legal Representation
- Advocacy
If the elder is in imminent danger, Boston Elder Protective Services caseworkers will respond immediately to insure the elder's safety. In cases of serious abuse, neglect or financial exploitation, the Elder Protective Services team will refer the matter to the Suffolk County District Attorney.
Mandated Reporting law Chapter 19A
http://www.malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleII/Chapter19A/Section15
Mandated Reporter Forms
Mandated Reporter Form - PDF
Mandated Reporter Form - MS Word