Elder abuse including physical, emotional, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, caregiver neglect, and self-neglect is a growing, under-reported phenomenon. Under Massachusetts General Law c. 19A elder abuse is defined and Tri-Valley is the agency mandated to take reports of abuse in its 25 town area. Our Protective Service Workers investigate and resolve these issues in the least intrusive way possible.
Anyone who believes an elder is being abused or neglected may make a report. The identity of the reporter is confidential.
A category of individuals called mandated reporters are bound by law to report knowledge of abuse of an elder. Mandated reporters are: physicians, physician’s assistants, nurses, medical interns, coroners, dentists, podiatrists, osteopaths, social workers, occupational or physical therapists, psychologists, family counselors, police, probation officers, EMTs, firefighters, directors of home health aid agencies, homemaker agencies, assisted living residence directors, case managers, health aides, homemakers, COA directors or outreach workers. A mandated reporter’s failure to report may result in a fine.
Elder Abuse Centralized Intake Unit
You can report Elder Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
The statewide intake number is 1-800-922-2275. It is both voice and TDD.
The Intake Unit will in turn contact Tri-Valley or the other geographically appropriate Protective Service Agency so that it may address the issues you are reporting.
If you are a mandated reporter and file a verbal report you must complete an Elder Abuse Mandated Reporter Form. These are available for download here: Elder Abuse Mandated Reporter Form
For non-emergencies you may file a web intake instead of filing the verbal report at:
https://www.mass.gov/how-to/report-elder-abuse
Crisis Intervention
The Crisis Intervention Program assists people over the age of 60 and also the communities they live in.
The Crisis Intervention Worker first and foremost assists elders in problem resolution around evictions, hoarding, substance abuse, addiction, credit card debt and non-compliant behavior.
Secondly, this program helps alleviate pressure on the community’s resources and manpower by addressing crises that the community might otherwise have to address.
The Crisis Intervention Worker’s goal is to allow the elder choices while addressing concerns, but with a goal of maximizing an elder’s independence and well-being in the community.
A phone call to Tri-Valley’s Protective Service Department will begin the process of helping an elder in need.
Call 1-800-286-6640 or 1-508-949-6640.
The Crisis Program covers the following towns:
Bellingham, Blackstone, Brookfield, Charlton, Douglas, Dudley, East Brookfield, Franklin, Hopedale, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millville, Northbridge, North Brookfield, Oxford, Southbridge, Spencer, Sturbridge, Sutton, Upton, Uxbridge, Warren, Webster and West Brookfield