Emergency Resources
If You Need Help Right Now
No one should face a crisis alone. This page puts every critical number and resource in one place, from the Veterans Crisis Line to elder abuse reporting for your state, elder-law attorneys, and emergency contacts. Save it now, while things are calm, so it is here the moment you or someone you love needs it. If you are in immediate danger call 911, and if you are in emotional crisis dial 988 and press 1.
24/7 - Free - Confidential
Veterans Crisis Line
Free, confidential, 24/7 support for veterans and their loved ones. You do not need to be enrolled in VA health care or have a specific discharge status to use it. Responders are trained professionals, and many are veterans themselves.
Protect yourself and your loved ones
Elder Abuse - Know the Signs, Know Who to Call
Elder abuse happens more than most people think, and it does not always look like physical violence. Financial exploitation, neglect, and emotional abuse are just as real - and just as dangerous. If something feels wrong, trust that feeling and make the call.
Warning Signs to Watch For
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries - especially in different stages of healing
- Sudden changes in financial situation - missing money, unusual withdrawals, new "friends" managing finances
- Withdrawal from family, friends, or normal activities
- Poor hygiene, weight loss, or untreated medical conditions when a caregiver is present
- Fearfulness, anxiety, or depression - especially around certain people
- Isolation from visitors or phone calls by a caregiver or family member
- Sudden changes to legal documents - wills, powers of attorney, property deeds
- Unpaid bills or eviction notices despite adequate income or resources
- Caregiver who refuses to let the older adult speak privately with a doctor, social worker, or family
- Over- or under-medication, missing prescriptions, or being kept unusually drowsy or sedated
Report Elder Abuse in Your State
Every state has an Adult Protective Services (APS) agency that investigates reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of older adults. Select your state below to get the direct number. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 first.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 first. Adult Protective Services investigates reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults. You can report anonymously in most states. These are official state numbers.
Legal protection for seniors
Elder Law Help - It Varies by State
Elder law covers estate planning, Medicaid, guardianship, long-term care, and protecting seniors from exploitation. The rules and programs differ in every state, so it matters that you work with someone who knows your state's laws. These resources connect you to the right professionals.
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA)
The leading professional association for elder-law attorneys. Their directory lets you search for a licensed, practicing elder-law attorney by state and city. These attorneys handle estate planning, long-term care, guardianship, Medicaid planning, and protecting assets from exploitation.
VA Accredited Representative Search
The VA's official tool for finding accredited attorneys, claims agents, and VSO representatives who can help with VA benefits - including pension, disability compensation, and appeals. Every representative listed here has been approved by the VA.
State Veterans Affairs Offices
Every state has its own Department of Veterans Affairs with local County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs). These officers assist with VA claims, pensions, medical care, state tax exemptions, and local benefits that vary by state. Their help is free.
LawHelp.org (Free Legal Aid by State)
Find free legal aid programs in your state for low-income individuals. Covers elder law, benefits, housing, consumer protection, and more. Select your state to see local legal aid organizations that may take your case at no cost.
Keep these numbers handy
Emergency & Support Hotlines
All toll-free. All official. Tap any number on your phone to call it directly.
911 Emergency
For any immediate, life-threatening emergency - call 911 or your local police/fire department first.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
For veterans, press 1 after dialing. Also serves the general public 24/7.
National Elder Fraud Hotline
Mon-Fri, 10 AM - 6 PM ET
U.S. Department of Justice hotline for elder fraud victims. Case managers help with reporting at federal, state, and local levels. Available in English, Spanish, and other languages.
Eldercare Locator
Mon-Fri, 8 AM - 9 PM ET
U.S. Administration on Aging helpline that connects you to your local Area Agency on Aging for elder care, housing, transportation, nutrition, and benefits. Covers every state.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Confidential support for anyone affected by domestic violence, including elder abuse in the home. Available 24/7.
MyVA411 (VA General Information)
The VA's main information line. If you are not sure who to call about a VA benefit, start here and they will point you the right way.
You Are Not Alone - and You Are Never Too Old to Get Help
If you or someone you love is in danger, in crisis, or being taken advantage of - make the call. There is no shame in asking for help, and there is no age limit on getting it. Every resource on this page is here because you earned it.
