How to Report Abuse or Neglect in a Pennsylvania Personal Care Home

What counts as abuse or neglect

Pennsylvania's Older Adults Protective Services Act defines abuse and neglect broadly, and you do not need certainty to report — reasonable suspicion is enough. Common forms include:

• Physical abuse: hitting, rough handling, unexplained bruises or injuries, restraint without medical cause.
• Sexual abuse: any unwanted touching or non-consensual sexual contact, including with residents who cannot consent due to cognitive impairment.
• Emotional or psychological abuse: threats, intimidation, isolation from family or visitors, humiliation.
• Financial exploitation: theft, forged checks, pressure to change a will or power of attorney, unauthorized use of bank accounts.
• Neglect: failure to provide food, water, hygiene, medication, or a safe environment. Includes pressure sores from being left in one position too long.
• Abandonment: leaving a resident without the care they need.
• Self-neglect: a resident unable to care for themselves when no facility care is being provided.

Who to call

1. Immediate danger — call 911 first, always.
2. PA Elder Abuse Hotline — 1-800-490-8505 (24/7). This is the single statewide number for suspected elder abuse or neglect, and the call is routed to the county Area Agency on Aging that serves the victim.
3. PA DHS for licensing complaints — DHS investigates facility-level issues and can cite, fine, or revoke a home's license.
4. Long-Term Care Ombudsman (via your county Area Agency on Aging) — advocates for the resident and can mediate with the facility.
5. Local police — for any criminal act, including theft or assault.

What happens after you report

Reports to the PA Elder Abuse Hotline go to the county Area Agency on Aging, which has a legal obligation to investigate. An investigator will contact the resident (if appropriate), review records, and assess safety. If the home is at fault, DHS may open a parallel facility-level investigation. Criminal matters are referred to police or the district attorney.

Pennsylvania law protects reporters from retaliation. You can report anonymously if you choose, though giving your name helps investigators follow up with questions.

Documentation tips

1. Write down what you observed, when, and where — specific dates, times, and room numbers.
2. Photograph injuries if safe and appropriate, with date stamps.
3. Keep copies of any messages or communications from staff or administration.
4. Note names of witnesses, including other residents or visitors who saw the same thing.
5. If the resident is able, let them tell their own story in their own words and document that.

When you're not sure

You are not required to prove abuse before reporting. Reasonable suspicion is the legal threshold. If something is wrong and you don't know what to do, call the hotline at 1-800-490-8505 and describe what you're seeing — the investigator will help you decide whether a formal report is warranted.