Elder abuse refers to intentional or negligent acts by a caregiver or trusted individual that causes harm to an older person.
Elder abuse takes many forms, including:
- Neglect or Isolation
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Financial abuse and exploitation
- Emotional or psychological abuse (including verbal abuse and threats)
Under California law, elder abuse can be both criminal and civil. Criminal elder abuse occurs when a person knows that their is an elder victim then willfully causes or permits that elder to suffer, or inflicts unjustifiable physical pain or mental suffering on the elder.
Elder abuse affects older people across all socioeconomic groups, cultures, and races and can occur anywhere when they are disconnected from social supports:
- In a person’s own home
- In nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other institutional settings
- In hospitals
While any older person is potentially at risk of elder abuse, some are more susceptible to experience abuse or neglect than others. Based on available information, women and people 80 and older are more likely to experience abuse. Factors such as dementia or poor physical health can increase older people’s isolation, which in turn puts people at greater risk of experiencing abuse or neglect.
SOME COMMON RISK FACTORS:
- Mental health or substance abuse issues of an older person and/or a perpetrator
- Social isolation
- Poor physical health
If you believe an older person is experiencing any form of elder abuse, say something. Call our 24-hour hotline at 209-223-2897 and speak to a resource counselor who can help you.
Amador County Resources for Elder Abuse:
Adult Protective Services: https://www.amadorgov.org/services/social-services/adult-protective-services
Elder Abuse Program: https://www.amadorgov.org/government/district-attorney/elder-abuse-program
Elder Abuse Reporting: http://elder-abuseca.com/stateResources/California/Amador-County.html
National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA): https://eldermistreatment.usc.edu/national-center-on-elder-abuse-ncea-usc/
This page partially funded by Grant #XC16011628