To report elder abuse in West Virginia:

• West Virginia Nursing Home Elder Abuse – (800) 352-6513
• Domestic/Community Elder Abuse – (800) 352-6513

As West Virginia’s elderly population continues to grow, the number of cases of elder abuse will rise along with it. Unfortunately, most of those cases will go unreported as the elderly victims are commonly afraid to report abuse, or are simply unaware that abuse is occurring.

If you have any suspicions of elder abuse in West Virginia, report it immediately to local authorities.

How to Spot Signs of Elder Abuse

Physical abuse   is the willful infliction of harm on an elderly person. Physical abuse includes shoving, biting, punching and kicking. Physical abuse also includes the inappropriate use of drugs (overdose) and restraints.

Emotional abuse   occurs when a person causes an elderly person to experience mental pain or distress. Yelling, threatening, humiliating and ignoring are common forms of emotional and psychological abuse.

Neglect   occurs when a caregiver fails to provide adequate care for an elderly person. Neglect can be intentional or unintentional. Common signs of neglect include malnutrition, dehydration and/or poor personal hygiene.

Financial Abuse and Exploitation   occurs when an individual improperly uses an elderly person’s money for personal profit or gain. Additionally exploitation occurs when an individual steals an elderly person’s cash or personal property.