Education, Advocacy & Shelter ElderSAFE™ Center

The ElderSAFE Center is the first program of its kind in the Washington, DC metropolitan area to provide safe temporary shelter to older adults experiencing elder abuse.

Safeguarding seniors from abuse.

Our commitment to caring for older adults reaches beyond our campus. As an organization that is mission-driven and inspired by Jewish values, Charles E. Smith Life Communities has established the ElderSAFE Center, the first program of its kind in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, to provide safe temporary shelter, to coordinate and provide community referrals and to increase public awareness and education about elder abuse.

What is elder abuse?

Elder abuse is the mistreatment of older adults in one or more of the following ways:

Physical: Use of force such as hitting or pushing; causing pain, harm, or physical injury; and inappropriate use of medications or physical restraints.

Sexual: Any type of non-consensual sexual contact.

Psychological: Mistreatment that affects emotional or mental health, including intimidation, threats, harassment, humiliation, belittlement, or isolation.

Neglect: Willful deprivation of basic needs including food, clothing, shelter, medicine, or personal hygiene.

Financial exploitation: Misuse of the older adult’s money, property, or resources.

ElderSAFE Center services

  • Safe, temporary shelter
  • Holistic therapy program
  • Confidential counseling
  • Medical services
  • Spiritual support
  • Physical and/or psychological therapy services
  • Safe discharge
  • Legal referrals
  • Community referrals and coordination with partner agencies

Local Resources

For emergencies, dial 9-1-1

Adult Protective Services
Montgomery County 240-777-3000
Other MD counties 1-800-332-6347
DC 202-541-3950
Virginia 1-888-832-3858

National Resources

National Center for Elder Abuse

National Adult Protective Services Association

Elder Justice Initiative, Department of Justice

Safe Havens Interfaith Partnership Against Domestic Violence and Elder Abuse

National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life

American Bar Association Commission on Law and Aging

SPRiNG Alliance (coalition of older adult shelters)