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Elder Abuse

What is Elder Abuse

Elder abuse is when an older adult is treated in a harmful or unsafe way. This can include being physically hurt, yelled at, threatened, or made to feel scared. It can also happen when a caregiver does not give the person the food, medicine, or care they need. Sometimes elder abuse involves someone stealing money, pressuring an older adult to sign papers, or taking their belongings. In some cases, an older adult may be left alone without help, which is called abandonment.

Victims May Be Feeling or Experiencing

Physical Symptoms

Older adults may have physical signs of abuse, such as bruises, cuts, or other injuries they cannot explain. These injuries may appear suddenly or seem out of place for their normal daily activities.

Psychological Distress and Confusion

Some older adults may seem more sad, quiet, or worried than usual. They may also act confused if money has gone missing or if there are strange charges they don’t remember. Changes in their mood or behavior can be a sign that something is wrong.

Embarrassment

An older adult may feel embarrassed about what is happening to them. They might avoid talking about their injuries, money problems, or any mistreatment. This embarrassment can make it harder for them to ask for help.

Fear

Fear is another sign of abuse. An older adult may act nervous or scared around a caregiver. They may try to avoid being alone with the person who is hurting them or seem tense when that person is nearby.

Resources & Support

Help is available. You don’t have to face this alone.
Emergency — Call 911
County Resources

Know Your Rights

Your rights related to elder abuse include:

  • To live free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation, including physical, emotional, financial, or sexual harm from caregivers, family, or anyone else.
  • To report suspected elder abuse to Adult Protective Services (APS), the police, or an ombudsman if you live in a licensed care facility.
  • To be protected from anyone trying to scare, threaten, or punish you for reporting abuse.
  • To get help from APS or other agencies, including emergency housing, medical care, and legal protection.
  • To ask for a restraining order to keep an abuser away and stop further harm.
  • To have a court-appointed conservator or advocate if you cannot make decisions on your own and someone is abusing or taking advantage of you.
  • To stay in your home or in the least restrictive place possible, with the support and accommodations needed to live safely and independently.
  • To get legal help for elder abuse issues, including problems with guardianship, financial exploitation, or housing.
  • To report abuse in nursing homes or assisted living facilities to the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.
  • To receive disability accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), such as communication aids or support services.

Sources

California Department of Social Services – Adult Protective Services

National Center on Elder Abuse

California Civil Code § 1946.7

California Labor Code §§ 230 and 230.1

National Domestic Violence Hotline

U.S. Department of Justice – Office on Violence Against Women