Providing a safe space for seniors out of harm's way.

Elder abuse is an intentional act or failure to act by a caregiver or another person in a relationship involving an expectation to trust that causes or creates a risk of harm to an older adult. Elder abuse affects more than 5 million Americans over the age of 65 each year. Other shelter options, such as domestic violence and homeless shelters, are not appropriate for older adults who may have chronic health conditions, limited mobility, or cognitive impairment or that limit admission based on the relationship with the abuser.

Our goal is to provide safe, appropriate housing, care, and resources for older adults who experience elder abuse. The shelter helps ensure older adults are able to live safely in the environment of their choosing, whether that’s in the community, Kraft Commons, Hooverwood Living, or another facility. We envision a continuum of community resources that ensure older adults are safe, cared for, and respected. Our team of professionals are equipped to respond to older adults’ unique strengths and vulnerabilities.

Referrals to the shelter come from:

  • Adult Protective Services 
  • Local Hospitals/ Medical Centers
  • Senior Centers
  • District Attorney’s office 
  • Legal Services Agencies
  • Home Health Agencies 
  • Law Enforcement
  • EMS 
  • Social Service Providers

The Shalom Sanctuary Center for Elder Abuse is made possible by the generosity of Sidney (z”l) and Sharon Mishkin, in loving memory of Libby Lasky Bender, as well as with support from the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis, the Weinberg Center for Elder Justice, and the Sephardic Foundation on Aging.