24-Hour Elder Abuse Reporting Line
800-418-1426
As we age, we can become more vulnerable to abuse. Others–even family members–may bully us, spend our money, change ownership of our assets, harm us physically, and even neglect our basic needs for clothing, food, medical attention, and shelter.
We each have a role in preventing, identifying, and reporting elder abuse. As older adults, we can keep our doors closed to strangers, hang up on unusual phone calls, do our homework on financial matters, stay current on scams, and talk to a trusted person–such as a doctor or clergy member–about situations that we are uncomfortable with. As friends, family members, and caretakers of older adults, we can learn the signs of elder abuse and speak up when we suspect harm is being done. As providers of services for older adults, we must meet our legal obligations for mandated reporting of elder abuse; in fact, failure to report elder abuse is a crime punishable by jail time and/or a steep fine.
The Agency on Aging provides a grant to Valley Caregiver Resource Center to conduct presentations for caregivers, employees in professions that serve older adults, and the public to inform them on identification, reporting, prevention and treatment of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation. This program also conducts an annual conference in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day each June, featuring seminars from community leaders and professional experts in the field of elder abuse. For more information, contact Valley Caregiver Resource Center’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program at 559-224-9177.
Elder Abuse Links
What Should I Know About Elder Abuse – The State Bar of California:
Protect Yourself from Fraud – California Department of Corporations:
Red Flags of Abuse – National Center on Elder Abuse:
National Center on Elder Abuse – US Administration for Community Living
Mandated Reporting of Elder Abuse – California Welfare & Institutions Code Sections 15630-15632