Protective Services Program
Everyone has the right to be safe. Sometimes elders are at risk for physical or emotional injury or are at risk due to self-neglect. The Protective Services Program can help.
Massachusetts law (MGL Ch. 19A, Sec. 14-26) defines elder abuse as acts or omissions resulting in serious physical, sexual or emotional injury or financial loss to an adult age 60 or older
.Elder abuse includes: physical, sexual and emotional abuse, caretaker neglect, financial exploitation, and self neglect.
Protective Services is for those experiencing abuse or neglect by others or for elders who may be unsafe because of an inability to care for themselves.
Anyone may report suspected cases of abuse. The identity of the reporter is confidential.
For more information or to make a report in Franklin County or the North Quabbin area (including Athol, Petersham, Phillipston or Royalston) please call Franklin County Home Care’s Protective Services Program toll-free at 1-800-732-4636 or 413-773-5555 or 978-544-2259 or TDD 413-772-6566. Your call will be taken Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.
Franklin County Home Care also provides Elder Protective Services in Berkshire County. Contact Berkshire Elder Protective Services at 1-855-874-3242, Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.
The Elder Abuse Hotline is 1-800-922-2275 The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 5 pm until 9 am and all day on weekends and holidays.
Updated January 2012