What is Elder Abuse?

Elder abuse is a serious and often hidden issue that affects thousands of Mississippians each year. It doesn’t just harm individuals — it impacts families, caregivers, and entire communities. Understanding what elder abuse looks like, how to report it, and what protections exist in Mississippi is key to preventing and ending it.

What Is Elder Abuse?

Under Mississippi’s Vulnerable Persons Act, elder abuse includes any willful act or failure to act that causes or is likely to cause harm to a “vulnerable person.”

This can include:

Physical — hitting, pushing, or restraining someone unnecessarily

Emotional or Psychological — threats, humiliation, or social isolation

Neglect — failing to provide food, medical care, hygiene, or safe living conditions

Exploitation — misusing or stealing an older adult’s money, property, or benefits

A “vulnerable person” means an older adult or anyone whose ability to perform daily activities or protect themselves is impaired due to age, illness, or disability. All residents of care facilities (like nursing homes or assisted living homes) are considered vulnerable under the law (Mississippi Code § 43-47-5). The reality is that elder abuse is common. The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) receives thousands of reports each year through its Adult Protective Services (APS) division.

In 2021, APS investigated 3,910 reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation across the state of MS. Source: Hub City Spokes – MDHS Press Release

Mississippi’s older population continues to grow, now representing more than 16% of the state’s total residents, making protection and awareness more important than ever.

Source: Mississippi State Department of Health, Healthy Aging Data Report

How Elder Abuse Happens?

In Mississippi, elder abuse can occur in private homes, assisted-living centers, or long-term care facilities. Common causes include:

Financial exploitation — misuse of checks, credit cards, or power of attorney

Neglect — a caregiver failing to meet an elder’s medical or basic needs

Physical or emotional harm — deliberate mistreatment by family, caregivers, or staff

Self-neglect — when an older adult cannot safely care for themselves

Many cases involve trusted family members or caregivers, and isolation can make detection harder — especially in Mississippi’s rural areas, where access to services or oversight may be limited. If you see or suspect abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an older or vulnerable adult, Mississippi law says you must report it immediately.

Every person, not just professionals, is legally required to report suspected abuse.

Certain professionals, such as doctors, nurses, social workers, law enforcement, and facility staff, are considered mandated reporters and must follow stricter timelines (Mississippi Code § 43-47-7).

Elder abuse thrives in silence.

Many victims are afraid, ashamed, or unable to speak up. But every Mississippian has the power — and the legal duty — to help stop it.

If you suspect abuse: Call APS at 1-844-437-6282 (or 911 in an emergency)

Report abuse:

1-844-437-6282 — Vulnerable Person Abuse Hotline

mdhs.ms.gov/aging/adult-protective-services