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Report Elder Abuse Immediately

Elder abuse or neglect can be life-threatening to a senior. It should be reported as soon as possible.

If the abuse presents immediate or life-threatening danger, it should be reported to the police by calling 911 right away.

If the abuse is not of an emergency nature, it can be reported to the following organizations:

• Adult Protective Services, of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services. The Elder Abuse Hotline is (877) 477-3646. The telephone number for Adult Protective Services is (213) 351-5401.
  
  
• City of Los Angeles Department of Aging. For information or assistance, call (800) 510-2020.
  
  
• County of Los Angeles Area Agency on Aging, Department of Community and Senior Services. Their information Hotline is (800)510-2020.
  
  
• WISE & Healthy Aging Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. Any type of suspected abuse occurring at a nursing home, elder care facility or adult day health care centers can be reported to the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. Telephone numbers for reporting are (800)-334-WISE (9473) or after business hours (800) 231-4024.

Legal Remedies in California for Financial Elder Abuse

Two sections of law in California provide the basis for addressing abuse of elders or dependent adults:

• The Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act (EADACPA) Chapter 11.
  (Welfare & Institutions Code Section 156000 et. Seq.) Established a system for intervention by Adult Protective Services, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and local law enforcement. It allows these organizations to receive referrals or complaints regarding abuse of elders or dependent adults and allows them to take protective action to ensure an older adult’s or dependent adult’s safety.

• Penal Code Section 368. It is a crime - punishable by fine or imprisonment or both - to abuse an elder (anyone over the age of 65), or a dependent adult (anyone between the ages of 18 and 64) who, due to physical or mental incapacity is unable to adequately protect themselves).
  
  The statute has been amended to make theft or embezzlement from an elder or dependent adult a crime by a caretaker or by an individual who is not a caretaker. If the amount taken is over $400, the action is a felony; if the amount is less than $400, it is a misdemeanor. A caretaker is considered to be any person who has the care, custody, or is in control of, or who stands in a position of trust with, an elder or a dependent adult.