Protective Services FAQ
Click here to report elder abuse or call the Massachusetts Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-800-922-2275
The goal of Elder Services of Worcester Area’s Protective Services program focuses on those at risk because of a caregivers neglect or abuse. You can learn more the program by reading the Frequently Asked Questions below, and by linking to our Programs & Information page.
Note: Elder Services Protective Services Department covers the agency’s service area (see map on Basic Information About Us page), with the addition of Northboro, Marlboro, Southboro, Westboro and Hudson.
What is Protective Services’ Fax Number?
508-856-0375
How long will it take a Protective Services Worker to see an elder?
All referrals to the programs are reviewed according to regulations and criteria set forth by the state of Massachusetts.
Referrals are deemed emergency, urgent, or routine. Protective Services Supervisors determine how soon the elder needs to be seen according to their current situation and the governing regulations.
I made a report and nothing has been done. Can’t you get the elder out of there?
When a report is made, all allegations must be investigated. If abuse or risk is substantiated, services will be offered to the elder.
Services provided do not always offer an immediate solution but do reflect the speed at which an elder feels he or she can attempt change. Elders, if competent, retain the right to refuse services and sometimes do.
What if an elder is not competent and cannot independently make decisions?
Competency or lack thereof is determined by a court of law when an elder
- Appears to be at serious risk of further abuse and/or neglect, and
- Appears to have impaired capacity, and
- Is refusing Protective Services
- Protective Services will
First try to enlist the cooperation and support of family, friends, professionals, and others with the elder’s permission in providing assistance to alleviate abuse.
If the elder remains at serious risk due to abuse and/or self-neglect, Elder Services may pursue a formal competency evaluation and legal intervention, most often in the form of a legal guardianship, in order to bring about change in the elder’s situation in order to alleviate the abuse or neglect.
What is the process once a report is made?
Once ESWA receives the report, it is assigned to a Protective Services Worker, who initiates an investigation of all allegations contained in the referral.
During the investigation phase of a referral, the worker interviews the elder as well as others(with the elder’s consent) who have knowledge of the elder’s situation . Interviews may be held with family members and friends, professionals such as visiting nurses or treating physicians. Other pertinent information, such as police reports, may be obtained. In addition to looking at the allegations, information such as the elder’s apparent understanding of the risks of the situation is also obtained. The investigation phase can take up to 30 days, but services to meet emergency and/or urgent needs are offered as the need arises.
When reasonable cause to believe that abuse or self-neglect is established, the worker will meet with the elder to discuss service options.
Services may include referrals and support from the following areas: home care services, medical treatment, nursing services, counseling, caregiver and respite services, housing and legal services. We will continue to work with the elder until the abuse is alleviated or until the elder refuses further services.
How do I file a report?
Anyone can report elder abuse. If you are concerned about an older adult (ages 60 and older), and think they are at risk, call the Massachusetts based Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-800-922-2275 or file a report online here. Every community in Massachusetts is covered by a designated Protective Service Agency. While the intake is centralized, all reports will be referred to the designated Protective Service Agency who will then investigate the situation and determine the best course of action to alleviate the risk. All calls are confidential.
Who is my local Protective Services Agency?
Elder Services of Worcester Area, Inc.
Protective Services Unit
508-852-3205
Fax: 508-856-0375
The following towns are included in our service area: Auburn, Barre, Boylston, Grafton, Hardwick, Holden, Hudson, Leicester, Marlborough, Millbury, New Braintree, Northborough, Oakham, Paxton, Rutland, Shrewsbury, Southborough, West Boylston, Westborough, and Worcester.
Please click here for more information about the Protective Services program in the Programs and Information section.
