Abuse, neglect, and exploitation of elders and other vulnerable adults are problems that often remain hidden, and many suffer in silence. Abuse can
be physical, verbal, emotional, or sexual. It can include financial exploitation, caregiver neglect, self-neglect, or unreasonable confinement or restraint.
Most often, abusers are someone close to the victim, like spouses/partners, adult children, other family members, old or new friends, unpaid or paid caregivers,
or sometimes strangers. Abuse can happen in private homes and long-term care facilities like nursing homes and assisted living homes.
All adults have the right to dignity, respect, and safety. We retain these rights as long as we live regardless of age or disability. Abuse, neglect, and
exploitation of elders and other vulnerable adults is never OK.
If you have worries or suspicions that you, or another elder or vulnerable adult is being abused, neglected, or exploited, call
Boulder County Adult Protective Services
at 303-441-1309. Your call is confidential. Always in an emergency call 911.
Helpful Resources:
Colorado Department of Human Services: Adult Protective Services Programs
US Administration on Aging: National Center on Elder Abuse
Boulder County Area Agency on Aging: Long-term Care Ombudsman
Safe Shelter of St. Vrain Valley
Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence
Moving to End Sexual Assault
Boulder County District Attorney's Office: Community Protection Division
Elder Abuse Brochure
Warning Signs of Elder Abuse