Elder abuse is a growing problem in society today. We all need to be concerned about the safety and well being of adults who need help providing for their needs and protecting themselves. The whole community needs to work together to protect the safety and well being of adults who cannot help themselves. Any person having reasonable cause to believe that an adult is in need of protective services can report these concerns to their local Department of Social Services.  (You do not have to reveal your identity when making a report).

When mistreatment happens, protective services may by needed. A special law in North Carolina gives County Department of Social Services the responsibility to offer services for adults who are unable to help themselves. The three areas that the law speaks to are abuse, neglect and exploitation. These areas are defined as:
bullet Abuse – the willful infliction of physical pain, injury or mental anguish, unreasonable confinement, or the willful deprivation by a caretaker of services, which are necessary to maintain mental and physical health.
bullet Neglect – refers to a disabled adult who is either living alone and not able to provide for himself the services which are necessary to maintain his mental or physical health or is not receiving services from his caretaker.
bullet Exploitation – the illegal or improper use of a disabled adult or his resources for another’s profit or advantage.

Click here to visit the website for the National Center for Elder Abuse

If you or someone you know needs protection, please contact your local county Department of Social Services at the following locations.

 

Alexander County Department of Social Services
334 7th St. SW
Taylorsville, NC 28681-2413

Telephone:(828) 632-1080
Fax:(828) 632-1092


Burke County Department of Social Services
PO Drawer 549
Morganton, NC 28680

Telephone:(828) 439-2096
Fax:(828) 430-3148


Caldwell County Department of Social Services
1966 H Morganton Blvd. SW
Lenoir, NC 28645

Telephone:(828) 426-8200
Fax:(828) 426-8398


Catawba County Department of Social Services
PO Box 669
Newton, NC 28658

Telephone:(828) 695-5600
Fax:(828) 695-2497