HHS Administration for Community Living websites devoted to supporting Elder Justice

National Center on Elder Abuse

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National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) provides the latest information and resources on research, training, policy, and best practices on preventing and responding to elder mistreatment.

First established by the U.S. Administration on Aging (AoA) in 1988 as a national elder abuse resource center, the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) was granted a permanent home at AoA in the 1992 amendments made to Title II of the Older Americans Act.

The NCEA is one of 27 Administration on Aging-funded Resource Centers. The Administration on Aging recognizes that as a government, as a society and as individuals, we must increase our efforts to ensure that all older adults age with dignity and honor.

What is Elder Abuse?

An older Black woman looking off in the distance

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.

1 in 10 adults aged 60+ in the U.S. experienced some form of abuse in the prior year.

Types of Elder Abuse

Report Abuse or Neglect

Elder abuse can happen to anyone, at anytime.

Law Enforcement

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.

Adult Protective Services

If the danger is not imminent, report abuse in the community to the local APS.

State Licensing Agency

Report abuse in a nursing home, assisted living, or board and care facility to your state licensing agency

Risk Factors

Elder Mistreatment graphic depicting the factors for abuse

Elder abuse does not happen uniformly. Our unique histories and identities impact abuse experiences and help-seeking behaviors.

What are the risk and protective factors?

The NCEA was established by the U.S. Administration on Aging (AoA) in 1988 and granted a permanent home at AoA in the 1992 amendments made to Title II of the Older Americans Act. The NCEA is one of 27 AoA-funded Resource Centers. The AoA recognizes that as a government, as a society and as individuals, we must increase our efforts to ensure that all older adults age with dignity and honor.

Don't stand by, stand up to elder abuse.
You can make a difference.

Join the conversation!

There are many ways that social media outlets help people stay in touch, express their views, and keep informed. If preventing elder abuse is your passion, then keep updated with the NCEA via social media.