Elder Abuse Prevention & Awareness

Pursuant to Section 721 of the Older Americans Act, the Iowa Department on Aging administers the Elder Abuse Prevention & Awareness Program to address the problem of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation in Iowa. This program works to provide education and develop programs and policies that can prevent elder abuse in any of its forms, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse or exploitation, financial exploitation, denial of critical care and self-neglect.

To meet this goal, the Department distributes funds to the Area Agencies on Aging to employ elder rights specialists who are trained to assist individuals whose safety or well-being is at risk; counsel families who are concerned about the safety or well-being of a loved one; develop personalized intervention plans to reduce identified risks; and provide information about and referrals to appropriate protective services agencies.    

Report Elder Abuse

In the case of an emergency or life-threatening situation, call 911

For Individuals Living in the Community

• 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

EAPA State Clearinghouse

The Elder Abuse Prevention & Awareness State Clearinghouse serves as a single location point for the general public, medical professionals, financial institutions, law enforcement professionals, aging network partners and other stakeholders to find information and resources related to elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation, including how to recognize elder abuse and prevent it from occurring.