Reporting & Preventing Elder Abuse
Recognize, Prevent, and Report Elder Abuse
If you are concerned an older adult is being harmed, neglected, or exploited, report it as quickly as possible.
Where you report depends on who is involved and where the situation is occurring. Use the guide below to find the right path.
Is Someone in Immediate Danger?
If an older adult is in immediate danger or needs urgent help, call 911.
Helpful Information to Gather
If available, be ready to share:
- The older adult’s name and address
- What you observed or what you were told
- Any injuries, safety risks, or urgent concerns
- The name of the person involved, if known
- Whether that person currently has access to the older adult
- Why you are concerned
Find the Right Place to Report
Select the option that best matches your concern.
Contact DIAL Health Facilities
If your concern involves a licensed facility or program, contact the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing.
- Phone: 1-877-686-0027
- Email: hfd_complaint@dia.iowa.gov
- Website: Visit Website
Contact Iowa HHS
If the concern involves a dependent adult in a home or community setting, including a family member, friend, or caretaker, contact Iowa HHS Dependent Adult Abuse Reporting.
- Phone: 1-800-362-2178
- Email: csiu@hhs.iowa.gov
- Hours: 24 hours a day
- Website: Visit Website
Contact the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
If the concern involves resident rights, care concerns, discharge, quality of life, or help navigating long-term care issues, contact the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman.
- Phone: 1-866-236-1430
- Email: sltco@hhs.iowa.gov
- Website: Visit Website
Contact LifeLong Links / Area Agencies on Aging
If you are worried about an older adult and are not sure the person meets Iowa’s definition of a dependent adult, LifeLong Links can connect you to the right Area Agency on Aging and local support.
- Phone: 1-866-468-7887
- Website: lifelonglinks.org
Quick Reporting Paths
Iowa HHS
Report suspected dependent adult abuse in a home or community setting.
1-800-362-2178
csiu@hhs.iowa.gov
DIAL Health Facilities
Report suspected abuse in a licensed facility or program.
1-877-686-0027
hfd_complaint@dia.iowa.gov
State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Get help with resident rights, care concerns, discharge, or quality-of-life issues in long-term care.
1-866-236-1430
sltco@hhs.iowa.gov
How to Help Prevent Elder Abuse
Stay Connected
Regular contact with trusted people helps reduce isolation and makes changes easier to notice.
Watch for Financial Red Flags
Be alert to pressure, secrecy, sudden account changes, missing funds, or someone trying to isolate an older adult from financial information.
Check on Care and Living Conditions
Changes in hygiene, medications, nutrition, mood, safety, or access to needed care can be signs that something is wrong.
Other Places to Get Help
Local Law Enforcement
Contact local law enforcement if you believe a crime has occurred or an older adult’s safety is at risk.
Area Agencies on Aging
Local aging agencies can help connect older adults and caregivers to services, support, and information.
Find local aging support →Private Legal Help
In some situations, families may wish to consult a private attorney about safety, finances, guardianship, or other legal concerns.
If you're search for an attorney has been difficult, consider contacting Iowa Legal Aid's Hotline for older Iowan's or visit their website for more information.
- Phone: 800-992-8161
- Website: Find Legal Help
