Barry Drucker on the Steps to Take When You Suspect Elder Abuse

When a loved one's care raises concerns, knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming. The American Reporter spoke with Barry A. Drucker, an attorney with Justice 4 Elders, about how families can respond to suspected elder abuse. Richard Brown's October 9, 2026 article, Steps To Take If You Suspect Elder Abuse, Including When To Talk To An Attorney, explores the path from an initial concern to getting help.

At Justice 4 Elders, we want families to have a practical starting point. Here are the steps we encourage you to consider when something about a loved one's care does not seem right.

Put safety first

Check whether your loved one needs urgent medical help or faces an immediate threat. In an emergency, call 911 and explain where the person is and what is happening. Getting help should take priority over collecting records or waiting for a response from the care provider. Once immediate needs are addressed, you can turn to documenting and reporting your concerns.

Keep a clear record

Write down your observations as soon as you can: what you noticed, the date and time, and the names of people present. Separate what you personally saw from what someone else told you. Save messages, emails and paperwork related to the concern. When appropriate and permitted, keep photographs of injuries or unsafe conditions, respecting your loved one's privacy. A dated record can help explain a pattern that is difficult to convey from memory alone.

Report your concerns

Bring suspected abuse or neglect to the appropriate protective or oversight agency. Depending on the setting, that may include Adult Protective Services, a long-term care ombudsman or the agency that licenses the facility. Record whom you contacted and retain any reference number or written response. Reporting gives those responsible for investigating concerns information they can act on; it does not replace emergency assistance.

Ask about legal options

If your loved one has been harmed, speak with an elder abuse attorney about what happened. A legal review can help assess the connection between the care provided and the harm, identify records that matter and explain possible next steps. An agency complaint and a civil claim serve different purposes. Whether a claim is appropriate depends on the evidence and the circumstances.

You do not need to organize every document before reaching out. For a free consultation with Justice 4 Elders, call (866) 654-4857 or tell us what happened through our contact form. We can listen to your concerns and discuss how we may be able to help.

Attorney advertising. This post provides general information only and is not legal advice. Reading it does not establish an attorney-client relationship.