Free · Certificate included

Elder Abuse Prevention Awareness

Recognize, prevent, and respond to the abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of older adults.

55 min Beginner 8 modules Pass 80%

For: Volunteers, caregivers, and staff who serve or support older adults

What you’ll learn

Identify the seven types of elder abuse and the warning signs of each
Spot financial exploitation and the most common scams that target older adults
Understand the risk and protective factors — and reduce isolation, the biggest driver
Respond to a disclosure and report to Adult Protective Services the right way

Screen your volunteers for $5

VolunteerBadge runs FCRA-compliant background checks for just $5 — with identity verification built in. No monthly fees, no contracts.

Create a free account →

Course outline

1
Why this training matters
You spend time with older adults because you value them.
6 min Video Quiz
2
The seven types of elder abuse
The National Center on Elder Abuse recognizes seven types of elder maltreatment.
7 min Quiz Interactive
3
Recognizing the warning signs
You will rarely see abuse happen. Far more often you will notice a change — in the person, their body, their mood, or their money. No single sign proves abuse, but…
7 min Quiz Interactive
4
Financial exploitation & scams
Financial exploitation is the fastest-growing form of elder abuse, and older adults lose billions of dollars every year.
9 min Video Quiz Interactive
5
Why it happens: risk & protective factors
Abuse isn’t random. Certain conditions raise the risk — and, encouragingly, certain conditions lower it. Understanding both tells you where to focus your energy:…
6 min Video Quiz
6
Respectful care, dignity & healthy boundaries
Preventing abuse isn’t only about stopping bad actors — it’s about a posture of dignity and autonomy.
6 min Quiz Interactive
7
Responding to a disclosure & reporting
Sometimes an older adult will tell you directly — or hint at it.
7 min Quiz Interactive
8
Building a culture of dignity & safety
Prevention isn’t one heroic moment — it’s a hundred small, consistent choices that add up to a community where older adults are seen, valued, and safe.
6 min Quiz Interactive

Sources & further reading

VolunteerBadge Academy courses are provided free for general educational and informational purposes only. Every course is researched from reputable, authoritative sources (cited on the course), but VolunteerBadge and ScreenForge Labs, LLC make no representations or warranties of any kind — express or implied — as to the accuracy, completeness, currentness, reliability, or suitability of the content for any purpose. Content may contain errors or omissions and may become outdated, and laws, regulations, standards, and best practices vary by jurisdiction and change over time. This material is not legal, medical, mental-health, clinical, financial, safety-certification, or other professional advice, and completing a course or earning a certificate creates no professional relationship, license, accreditation, or endorsement and is not a substitute for training, certification, supervision, or policies required by law, your organization, your insurer, or a licensing body. Always follow your organization's own policies and applicable law, use your own judgment, and consult a qualified professional (such as an attorney, licensed clinician, or medical provider) about your specific situation. In an emergency, call 911 (or, for a mental-health crisis, 988). To the fullest extent permitted by law, VolunteerBadge and ScreenForge Labs, LLC disclaim all liability for any loss or harm arising from reliance on this content or participation in any course.