Report adult abuse · Missouri
Reporting abuse, neglect and exploitation
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
Missouri Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline: 1-800-392-0210 — 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You may report anonymously.
Adults receiving in-home care are, by definition, people who depend on others. That dependence is what makes abuse possible and what makes it hard to report — the person harming you may be the person who feeds you, or your own child.
What are the signs of abuse, neglect or exploitation of an adult?
Physical abuse
- Unexplained bruises, burns or fractures
- Injuries that do not match the explanation
- Repeated injuries, or delays in seeking care
- Flinching, or fear of a particular person
Neglect
- Untreated pressure sores or infections
- Poor hygiene, soiled bedding, unwashed clothes
- Weight loss, dehydration, missed medication
- Being left alone for unsafe periods
- A home without heat, water or food
Financial exploitation
- Money or belongings going missing
- Sudden changes to a will, deed or account
- Someone new controlling the finances
- Bills unpaid despite adequate income
- Being pressured to sign documents
Emotional abuse
- Threats, humiliation or intimidation
- Being isolated from family and friends
- Withdrawal, or a sudden personality change
- Someone insisting on speaking for the person
Self-neglect also counts and can also be reported — an adult unable to meet their own basic needs for food, shelter, hygiene or medical care, whether or not anyone else is at fault.
How do you report adult abuse in Missouri?
| Situation | Contact |
|---|---|
| Immediate danger | 911 |
| Abuse, neglect, exploitation or self-neglect of an adult | Missouri Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline, 1-800-392-0210 |
| Concern about a Communicare Elite attendant or employee | Call us — and report to the hotline as well |
| Mental health crisis | Call or text 988 |
| Suspected Medicaid fraud | See program integrity |
What do you need to report abuse in Missouri?
Less than people assume. You do not need proof, you do not need certainty, and you do not need to have witnessed anything. A reasonable concern is enough — investigating is the hotline’s job, not yours. Helpful details include the person’s name and address, what you observed, and when.
You will not be penalized for reporting in good faith. Missouri law protects good-faith reporters. Communicare Elite does not retaliate against anyone — participant, family member or attendant — for making a report.
Our attendants’ obligations
Attendants are trained to recognize and report abuse and neglect, including when the suspected source is a family member of the person they care for. An attendant who witnesses abuse and stays silent has failed at the job.
Attendants must also report to us promptly if they are themselves charged with or convicted of an offense while employed. See screening →
What if your own caregiver is harming you?
Being dependent on someone does not oblige you to accept how they treat you. If your attendant is the problem, you can discharge them — you are the employer — and you will not lose your services or your authorized hours by doing so. Call us and we will help arrange replacement care.
Frequently asked questions
Can you report adult abuse anonymously in Missouri?
Yes. The Missouri Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline, 1-800-392-0210, takes reports 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and you may report anonymously. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 first. You do not need proof or certainty. Share the name and address of the person, what you observed and when, and the hotline investigates.
Can you get in trouble for reporting abuse?
Not for a report made in good faith. Missouri law protects good-faith reporters, and a reasonable concern is enough to call. You do not need to have witnessed anything. Communicare Elite does not retaliate against anyone, whether participant, family member or attendant, for making a report. The hotline does the investigating, not you.
Is self-neglect something you can report?
Yes. Self-neglect counts and can be reported to the Missouri Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-392-0210. It means an adult who is unable to meet their own basic needs for food, shelter, hygiene or medical care, whether or not anyone else is at fault. You do not need proof to call. A reasonable concern is enough, and you may report anonymously.
What should you do if you suspect a Communicare Elite attendant?
Call us, and report to the Missouri Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-392-0210 as well. Our attendants are trained to recognize and report abuse and neglect, and an attendant who witnesses abuse and stays silent has failed at the job. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. We do not retaliate against anyone who reports.