Here are some warning signs that an older adult or an adult with a disability might be experiencing (or is at increased risk of experiencing) abuse:
- Unexplained bruises or injuries
- Changes in thinking, confused, or disoriented
- Angry, indifferent, or aggressive
- Belongings, papers, or credit cards are missing
- Hesitant to talk openly
- Lacks necessities
- History of substance abuse, criminal behavior, mental illness, or family violence
- Others have been added to their bank accounts or important documents
Resources Available
24-Hour Elder Abuse Reporting Line
Fresno County Adult Protective Services (APS): 559-255-3383 or 800-418-1426
Madera County Adult Protective Services (APS): 559-675-7839
The goal of Adult Protective Services (APS) is to provide services to correct conditions which cause dependent or older adults to be abused, neglected, or exploited. APS serves older adults age 65 years and older and dependent adults age 18 through 64 who are unable to protect their own interests or to care for themselves. APS programs are free of charge and may be declined or refused.
Types of Reportable Abuse
- Neglect
- Financial abuse
- Abandonment
- Abduction
- Physical Abuse
- Sexual Abuse
- Isolation
APS cannot:
- Remove Clients from their home against their will
- Place clients into facilities, including Skilled Nursing
- Provide direct mental health services
Long-Term Care Ombudsman representatives assist residents in long-term care facilities with issues related to day-to-day care, health, safety, and personal preferences. All Ombudsman services are free and complaints are confidential.
Complaints may include but are not limited to:
- Violation of residents’ rights or dignity
- Physical, verbal, mental, or financial abuse
- Poor quality of care
- Dietary concerns
- Medical care, therapy, and rehabilitation issues
- Medicare and Medi-Cal benefit issues
- Improper transfer or discharge of a resident
- Inappropriate use of chemical or physical restraints
Contact your local Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman CRISIS line at 1-800-231-4024 or your local police or sheriff’s department.
- Fresno Police Department: 559-621-7000
- Fresno County Sheriff: 559-600-3111
- Madera Police Department:559-675-4200
- Madera County Sheriff: 559-675-7770
The Fresno-Madera Area Agency on Aging provides support and funding to Valley Caregiver Resource Center to facilitate the Fresno-Madera Long-term Care Ombudsman Program. This program also provides community presentations for caregivers, mandated reporters, and the public to inform how to identify, report, and prevent elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. For more information or to file a complaint, call 559-224-9177.
Learn how to protect older adults and their financial well-being by visiting the sites below:
U.S. Department of Justice
Medicare fraud and prevention
Department of Financial Protection and Innovation
All Fresno-Madera Area Agency on Aging team members are Mandated Reporters for elder abuse and complete annual training and certification.