As legal aid attorneys specializing in the unique needs of people age 60 and older, we hear certain phrases from our clients too often, such as:

“I thought I could handle the situation myself.”

“I am ashamed that my loved ones treat me this way.”

“Other people need help more than I do.”

“I feel embarrassed that my problems have gotten to this point.”

“I don’t want to bother anyone with my issues.”

These clients are telling us that their overwhelmed and overworked caretaker cannot keep up with their needs, or a beloved relative entrusted to manage their care or finances has abused that trust. Often, our clients do not even recognize their mistreatment as abuse, but the harmful effects are clear to advocates. Even when our clients experiencing abuse, neglect, and mistreatment know that something is not right, they may not have the means to address it on their own.

On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, June 15, Community Legal Aid is once again speaking up to advocate for older adults experiencing abuse.

In its 2017 survey, incorporating statistics from 28 countries, the World Health Organization (WHO) shared that “1 in 6 people aged 60 years and older were subjected to some form of abuse.” Sadly, cases of elder abuse continue to be underreported.

Abuse of elders takes many forms — psychological abuse is the most prevalent, followed by financial abuse, neglect, physical abuse, and sexual abuse, according to the WHO. Financial abuse may take the form of theft or misappropriation of elders’ finances, but it also includes scams in person and online. Neglect, sadly, is frequently the result of an elder living alone and failing to meet their own needs, also known as self-neglect.

Community Legal Aid, and our Elder Unit in particular, fights back against abuse of our older adult clients, especially where it threatens their housing or financial stability, security, or health. Among our priorities as an agency is a mandate to “achieve and preserve autonomy, dignity, independence, and safety for our client communities.”

When you need to preserve or obtain housing, medical care, insurance, or other benefits, or to protect your interests and autonomy, Community Legal Aid’s Elder Unit may be able to assist you. Many times, in addition to legal advocacy, this means we are helping clients access community resources already in place and waiting to assist.

We always work with and for our clients. This means we do not substitute our judgment for yours — our work is guided by your stated interests and goals, and not those of a caretaker or family member. We are committed to giving you back your voice, not simply speaking for you.

Anyone who witnesses abuse or neglect of an older adult in Massachusetts should report it immediately to the Elder Abuse Hotline, open 24 hours a day, at (800) 922-2275. You can also report online at any time at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/report-abuse-of-adults-aged-60. Reports can be anonymous and will trigger a rapid response by the Adult Protective Services program of the Executive Office of Aging & Independence.

These agencies will not just act to stop abuse but will also make sure their older adult clients can access community resources like Meals on Wheels, health insurance and medical providers, and other helpers who can meet their needs.

If you or someone you care about is in danger of exploitation, abuse, or neglect, do not hesitate to contact someone who can help. If you know of someone in central or western Massachusetts facing a civil legal issue, please connect them with Community Legal Aid, 855-252-5342 or www.communitylegal.org.

It is never shameful to ask for help, and getting help doesn’t mean giving up. You have the power to help by understanding the available resources and reporting abuse and mistreatment without shame.

Caela Hall and Jaime Margolis are staff attorneys at Community Legal Aid.