Legal Assistance and Abuse Prevention
The Iowa Department on Aging oversees a variety of programs that work to protect the rights of older adults. The following services and resources are available:
- Legal Assistance – Legal advice and representation provided by an attorney or a paralegal/law student under the supervision of an attorney.
- Elder Abuse Prevention & Awareness (Case Management)
- Consultation – Provided to an individual at risk of, or experiencing abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation. A consultation provides the opportunity to connect the individual to available community resources and services.
- Assessment & Intervention – Provided to an individual at risk of, or experiencing abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation. An assessment & intervention entails one-on-one discussions to identify what is important to the individual at risk. A service plan is developed identifying services and resources to support the individual’s health and safety.
- Office of Public Guardian
To access services for individuals at risk of, or experiencing elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation, connect with your nearest AAA.
- Elder Abuse Work Group Report (2019)
- SF 2239 Elder Abuse Agency Collaboration Report (2014)
- SF 446 Elder Abuse Task Force Final Report (2013)
In the case of an emergency or life-threatening situation, call 911.
For Individuals Living Outside of Care Facilities
- Iowa Department of Human Services / Abuse Hotline (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week): (800) 362-2178
For Individuals Living in a Long-Term Care Facility or Assisted Living Program
- Iowa Department of Inspections & Appeals, Health Facilities Division / Complaint Intake Line: (877) 686-0027
- Iowa Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman / (515) 725-3333 or (866) 236-1430
The Elder Abuse Prevention & Awareness State Clearinghouse serves as a single location point for the general public, stakeholders, financial institutions, and law enforcement to find resources related to elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation.
The 2019 Elder Abuse Work Group brings together professional stakeholders around Iowa inside and outside government to assess gaps in dealing with Elder Abuse in Iowa.