Elder Protection Programs

Elder Abuse Prevention Program

Elder abuse refers to any knowing, intentional or negligent act causing harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult. Abuse, neglect, exploitation, or fraud can happen anywhere, anytime, and often affects the most vulnerable members of our community. 

The DOEA Elder Abuse Prevention Program supports programs and services to protect elders from abuse in all forms, physical, emotional, and financial.  In partnership with the Department of Children and Families Adult Protective Services, DOEA and the Aging Network work to protect disabled adults or elderly persons from further occurrences of abuse, neglect or exploitation. Services provided may include protective supervision, placement, and in-home and community-based services. 

How to Report Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation

The Department works in conjunction with the Department of Children and Families (DCF) Adult Protective Services and the Aging Network to protect disabled adults or elderly persons from further occurrences of abuse, neglect or exploitation. Services provided may include protective supervision, placement and in-home and community-based services. To report online – go to the DCF web site at Abuse Hotline | Florida DCF (myflfamilies.com)

To report by phone – call Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873). Press 2 to report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation of a vulnerable adult. This toll free number is available 24/7. TTY (Telephone Device for the Deaf): 1-800-955-8771. To report via fax, please print and complete the DCF fax reporting form with details and fax to 1-800-914-0004.

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Other Resources:

In addition to the Elder Abuse Prevention Program, DOEA offers many other programs that prevent elder abuse, neglect or exploitation.

The SMP (Senior Medicare Patrol) Program empowers seniors to prevent Medicare fraud.

Protect, Detect, and Report

PROTECT – Protect yourself from Medicare errors, fraud, and abuse. Protecting your personal information is the best defense. Resources are available in English and Spanish.

DETECT – Learn to detect potential errors, fraud, and abuse. Even when you do everything right, there is a chance that you could be a target of Medicare fraud. Resources are available in English and Spanish.

REPORT – If you suspect that you have been a victim of Medicare fraud, report it immediately. Contact a SHINE SMP volunteer at 1-800-96-ELDER.

For more information on the SHINE, SMP Program contact us.

The Office of Public and Professional Guardians established a statewide toll-free hotline to receive complaints made against registered professional guardians. The hotline number is 1-855-305-3030. In addition, click here to submit a complaint against a guardian via the internet: Any person who wishes to file a complaint against a registered professional guardian may do so anonymously.

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program advocates for the Health, Safety, Welfare, and Civil Rights of residents in long-term care facilities.  All complaints received by the Ombudsman Program are confidential.

  • Health – Are you receiving the services that you need during your residence at the facility?  The facility is required to provide or assist you in obtaining adequate and appropriate healthcare.
  • Safety – Is the facility protecting you from injury or aggravating an existing injury?  Do you feel safe in your living environment? It is the facility’s responsibility to ensure that you live in a safe and decent living environment, free from abuse and neglect.
  • Welfare – Your overall welfare is important.  While the facility is designed to provide medical care, it is also your home while you are there.  Your welfare combines your medical needs with your social needs.
  • Civil Rights – Your entry into a long-term care facility does not mean that you lose any of your rights. You have the right to civil and religious liberties, including knowledge of available choices and the right to independent personal decisions.

For more information about the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program or your rights as a long-term care resident contact us at 1-888-831-0404 or visit ombudsman.elderaffairs.org.