from abuse and neglect
population grows – older adults are predicted to make up 25% of California’s population by 2030 – more people are bringing caregivers into their homes, moving to assisted living facilities, and needing additional medical, social, and transportation support. No one ever wants to have to learn about and know how to handle abuse of any type, but if you have an older loved one, it’s important to be aware of the types of abuse that can impact older adults.
Elder abuse is pervasive in California, with hundreds of thousands of older and dependent adult abuse cases reported every year. There are many types of abuse, including self-neglect, neglect by others, physical or sexual abuse, mental or financial abuse, and abandonment.
To keep your loved ones safe, it’s critical to know their rights, how to spot elder abuse, and what to do about it.
older adult
As California's
All long-term care facility residents are entitled to resident rights and protections, including the right to know about any changes in care, the right to spend time the way they want, and the right to have visitors. Family members have the right to speak up for their loved ones if they cannot communicate for themselves.
The Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman helps residents across California through a network of Local Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs. Ombudsman representatives, often volunteers, help residents in long-term care facilities with issues
related to day-to-day care, health, safety, and personal preferences. Problems can include, but are not limited to:
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Long-Term Care Facility Resident Rights
The right to visits
Protect Your Loved One
Identity Theft
25%
What Does Fraud Look Like?
Top 5 Scam Categories:
Imposter Scams
16%
Credit Bureaus, Information Furnishers & Report Users
11%
Online Shopping & Negative Reviews
7%
Banks & Lenders
4%
You and your loved one are not alone. California offers multiple resources and supports to help people report fraud or abuse of older adults, including:
How to Protect Older Adults from Abuse and Neglect
Unusual financial activity.
New ‘friends’ or helpers.
Mobility or frailty issues.
Know your rights
Signs of elder financial abuse
• Violation of resident’s 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
State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Blanca Castro said spotting abuse requires the use of all five senses.
“Look around their room. Are they acting normal? Is any behavior out of the norm?” If anything seems off, she said, ask for a doctor’s assessment. “You have a right to ensure they are safe.”
Keep lines of communication open between you, your loved one, their caregiver, their facility, and anyone else who has close and regular contact with your loved one. Ask questions if something seems strange or out of the normal routine.
• Report fraud or abuse to the California Department of Social Services, the California Department of Public Health, or the California Department of Aging.
• For individuals in long-term care facilities, call the Long-Term Care Ombudsman CRISISline at 800-231-4024.
• For those living at home, call 833-401-0832 to connect with Adult Protective Services.
The right to dignity, respect, and freedom
The right to privacy and confidentiality
The right to security of possessions
The right to complain
The right to make independent choices
The right to be fully informed
