Protective Services

The goal of the Protective Services Department is to ensure that the basic health and safety of all older adults are met in the least restrictive setting possible, and that no older adult should remain at imminent risk to person or property.

Elder abuse may involve one or more of the following:

• Abuse
• Neglect
• Exploitation
• Abandonment

Abuse may occur when a caregiver fails to meet the needs of the older person or when older people fail to take care of themselves.

The Older Adults Protective Service Act mandates that every Area Agency on Aging in Pennsylvania is responsible for investigating any referral regarding safety concerns for an older person within 72 hours. This act also encourages the reporting of abuse and protects the anonymity of the person doing the reporting.

Eligibility for Protective Services

Protective Services are provided under one or more of the following conditions:

• 60 years of age or older
• Incapacitated person
• Unable to obtain or perform services necessary to maintain physical or mental health
• No responsible caretaker
• Imminent risk of his/her person or property

If you suspect mistreatment of an older person, you should report it to the York County Area Agency on Aging.

Protective Services Intake Phone Number: 771-9610 or 800-632-9073.

York County Elder Abuse Task Force

The York County Elder Abuse Task Force works to facilitate multi-agency cooperation and coordination in the investigation of crimes against the elderly. It also works to further educate the community and increase the public's awareness of the potential for abuse, neglect, and exploitation of the elderly.