Protective Services care management is an intense level of service providing investigations and interventions to protect the health, safety and welfare of adults who are unable to protect themselves and are at imminent risk of abuse, neglect, exploitation or abandonment. A report of abuse can be filed 24 hours a day by contacting Lehigh County Aging and Adult Services at (610) 782-3034 or the elder abuse hotline at 1-800-490-8505. It is important to file a report in a timely manner, therefore staff is available 24 hours a day to receive this information.

Report of abuse can remain anonymous and reports can be made on behalf of an adult whether the adult resides in the community or in a nursing home, personal care home or hospital. Individuals who report abuse also have legal protection from retaliation, discrimination and civil or criminal prosecution.

Employees and administrators of nursing homes, personal care homes, domiciliary care homes, adult day care centers and home health care are mandated to report any abuse. If the abuse involves serious injury, sexual abuse or suspicious death, reports are also required to contact the police and the Pennsylvania Department of Aging.

Each report of abuse must be investigated to determine if the adult needs help being protected from abuse, neglect, exploitation or abandonment.