The silently simmering epidemic of elder abuse has drawn together a powerful coalition of organizations determined to turn up the volume–raising awareness and driving action.
Earlier this week, representatives from the Senior Agenda Coalition of RI (SACRI), the Rhode Island Coalition for Elder Justice (RICEJ), the Rhode Island State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Office, St. Elizabeth Haven for Elder Justice, and the Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General Elder Abuse Unit gathered before a packed audience at the Middletown Senior Center for one of several stand-alone educational events taking place across the state. Each organization focuses on older adults in different ways, but together they offer a comprehensive resource for where to turn, and who to contact, if you suspect that you or someone you love or care for is a potential victim of elder abuse.
These gatherings aren’t just about education—they help shape the future of elder justice in Rhode Island. As Carol Anne Costa, Executive Director of SACRI noted, “Listening to these issues in these settings allows SACRI to formulate pathways to good policy and law. That’s what we do, and these events are ultimately critical to legislative success.”
From a legal perspective, Mickela Driscoll, Elder Abuse Investigator for the Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General explained:
“Elder abuse is power and control over an individual. If you assault someone 60 or older it’s a felony; before age 60, it’s a simple assault. We’re seeing an increase in sexual assault. The perpetrator often knows the individual. There are cases of psychological mistreatment and often co-occurring abuses. Self neglect is also abuse and needs to be reported. When we prosecute financial exploitation we’re seeing more and more it turns out to be children and grandchildren.
Elder abuse is a silent epidemic and as Cheryl Patnaude, former Elder Justice Advocate for St Elizabeth Safe Haven for Elder Justice points out:
“Fear prevents reporting. We don’t talk about it. It’s ugly to talk about. It happens more frequently than reported. It happens in the home the most.”
Underreporting is a real and growing concern. According to the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging (OHA), there were 1,531 investigations resulting from reported elder abuse in 2023. When you consider that only one in ten cases is believed to be reported, the OHA estimates the number of incidents may be closer to 15,000. These numbers do not reflect cases of abuse in assisted living and nursing homes.
According to Lori Light, Rhode Island State Long Term Care Ombudsman, “Elder abuse is a violation of human trust. Half of those living with dementia receive some form of abuse or neglect in eldercare, yet only one in 24 cases is reported. We’re seeing an increase in sexual assault in long-term care facilities. Culture within these facilities plays a large role in care.”
And yet, with the staggering reality of underreporting, Rhode Island is what is called a Mandatory Reporting State. So what does “mandatory reporting” mean when it comes to elder abuse–and how can we, as neighbors, spouses, caregivers, families, friends and citizens, feel safe and supported when we realize it’s time to take action?
In Rhode Island, any person who has cause to believe that an adult 60 or over is abused, neglected, financially exploited or self-neglecting is legally required to report it.
As Cheryl Patnaude put it, “Some people get hung up on making the wrong call. You’re not the judge and jury, all you have to do is have a suspicion.”
Mandatory reporting makes it safe for people to speak up. Reports can be made anonymously, and if you provide your name it will be kept confidential. You are not expected to investigate or prove elder abuse. You are expected to share that you have a suspicion with the proper authorities. And while reporting is a critical first step, it’s also important to remember that help can only be given if the older adult is willing to accept it.
Elder abuse knows no racial or economic boundaries, affects all walks of life, and can occur anywhere–from private homes to long-term care communities. But it can be stopped–often with just one report.
The resources are here to protect older adults, but they work best when we, as friends, neighbors, caregivers and advocates, act. The organizations that have joined forces in this effort are calling for an end to the “stay in your lane” mentality. They’re asking all of us to do what we know in our hearts is right: visit nursing homes and assisted living communities at unpredictable hours, check in on your neighbors and pay attention to that inner voice when something feels wrong. A larger coalition is at work here, and they are asking us to join them–by reporting.
As Arleen Kaull, Executive Director of the Middletown Senior Center stated at the close of the training regarding older adults: “We are the fastest growing population in the country–we have the power to change anything.”
To report suspected elder abuse in Rhode Island call the Office of Healthy Aging (OHA) 24/7 Abuse Helpline at 401-462-0555 or click here to complete the secure, electronic intake form Elder Protective Services.
Helen Hames is an Aging Advisor and Founder of Age Ambassador, where she helps older adults and their families navigate the complex decisions that come with aging. Whether planning to age at home, exploring community living, or clarifying what matters most in the years ahead, Helen provides trusted guidance every step of the way. She was honored with the 2025 Senior Champion of the year for her advocacy and personalized support of older adults.