Elder abuse has been on the rise throughout the country. Whether physical, emotional, or financial abuse, older adults are being targeted. The COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbated elder abuse nationwide issue, with about one in five elderly people reporting elder abuse. Families in close quarters experiencing financial and emotional stress with limited, if any, access to community support services all contributed to the spike in elder abuse. Another big problem is that elder abuse is underreported to begin with.
Elder abuse is a particularly big problem in New Jersey. One study revealed that New Jersey is a state with some of the worst elder abuse protections in the country. The study assessed several factors, including elder abuse complaints received, expenditures on state elder abuse prevention programs, the number of eldercare organizations and services, financial elder abuse laws, and more.
Hudson County residents are no exception to this statewide and nationwide issue. If you are experiencing elder abuse in Hudson County or suspect an elderly person in your family or community is experiencing any type of abuse or neglect, the Lento Law Firm can help. Our attorneys are well-versed in elder abuse law and can assist you with reporting, pursuing legal action, and even obtaining a restraining order if necessary. Learn more about how the Lento Law Firm can help you or any elderly person experiencing abuse in Hudson County by calling us at 888-535-3686 or using our online form.
Hudson County Board of Social Services
If you suspect an elderly person or you, as an elderly person in Hudson County, is experiencing abuse, you should file a report with Hudson County Adult Protective Services (Hudson County APS). If you're in immediate danger or it is outside business hours, contact 911 or your local police non-emergency line. APS offices are located throughout New Jersey; if you mistakenly call the wrong office, don't worry; they will connect you with Hudson County APS.
Elder Abuse Reporting in Hudson County
Elder abuse in New Jersey can be reported in several different ways. As mentioned above, you can directly contact Hudson County APS or local police. Additionally, you can call a New Jersey elder abuse hotline, 877-553-7283. Calls will be routed to law enforcement if necessary and on to Hudson County APS.
Once APS receives a complaint of elder abuse, the elderly person will meet with an APS investigator in person and privately. This meeting must happen within 72 hours of APS receiving the abuse report. APS investigators are social workers trained in this specific area. Depending on the person's cognitive abilities and other factors, the APS investigator may also interview different people in the person's life. This can include family, caregivers, members at the care facility or hospital if applicable, or anyone who may be knowledgeable about the alleged abuse.
The APS investigator will then draft a report and recommend necessary services. APS can't require any restrictions or remove an elderly person from their home without consent and a court order. If the APS investigator learns that abuse constitutes a criminal offense under New Jersey law, they will notify law enforcement. APS will work with you or the elderly person subjected to abuse to find the best solution in their individual case.
Suppose the abuse has occurred in a hospital, nursing home, assisted living facility, or other long-term care facility in New Jersey. In that case, there are a few other places you should consider reporting the abuse. One is the New Jersey Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman (NJLTCO). The role of this office is to advocate for the safety and protection of residents in long-term care facilities throughout the state. NJLTCO also investigates reports of abuse, neglect, exploitation, crime, and serious bodily injury" to those living in long-term care facilities.
Additionally, you should report the facility to the New Jersey Department of Health, Division of Health Facilities Evaluation and Licensing. This regulatory body oversees healthcare facilities in New Jersey, including setting standards of care and licensure. It can fine, mandate training, or take other disciplinary action against facilities where elder abuse occurs.
Obtaining a Restraining Order for Elder Abuse in Hudson County
If you or an elderly person in your family or community is facing abuse, safety is the first priority. If you or another person is in immediate danger, call 911 immediately. If you are in danger of being abused, imminent or otherwise, you may want to consider requesting a restraining order.
In situations where abuse is occurring at the hands of someone in your household or family member, restraining order requests are filed with the New Jersey Superior Court of Hudson County, Family Division. If you do not have a familial relationship with your abuser, law enforcement may request a restraining order on your behalf.
The restraining order requirements and figuring out how to obtain one can be confusing. Navigating the process, especially under the stress of abuse, is a lot, but you don't have to do it alone. The Lento Law Firm Family Law Team is experienced in filing restraining orders in Hudson County. Our first priority is to protect you or any other elderly person facing abuse.
If You or a Loved One is Subject to Elder Abuse, the Lento Law Firm Can Help
When you are being abused or suspect another elderly person is suffering abuse, being neglected, or being exploited financially, physically, or emotionally, the Lento Law Firm can help. Our Family Law Team is here to bring abuse to an end. We are here to protect you, whether by directing you to the appropriate Hudson County or New Jersey resources or filing a restraining order in the Superior Court of Hudson County on your behalf. Call the Lento Law Firm Family Law Team today at 888-535-3686 or use our contact form to schedule a confidential consultation.
