In California, elders are defined as persons 60 years and older. Under California law, elder abuse can be both criminal and civil. Civil law defines elder abuse as physical abuse, neglect, financial abuse, abandonment, isolation, abduction, or other treatment resulting in harm, pain or mental suffering to an elder.
Elder abuse is perpetrated by a trusted individual and can be financial, physical, emotional/psychological, sexual, and caregiver neglect.
Again, on physical evidence as an officer, you want to look for bruises, rashes, and bedsores on that subject. Bedsores can be absolutely indicative of abuse or neglect. Photograph, get statements from neighbors, social workers, family members, physicians, and nurses.
In California, elder abuse charges can lead to the following: A fine of $2,500 or to six-digit values. Imprisonment in county jail (for misdemeanors) Incarceration in state prison (for felonies)
As used in ORS 124.050 to 124.095: (1) “Abuse” means one or more of the following: (a) Any physical injury to an elderly person caused by other than accidental means, or which appears to be at variance with the explanation given of the injury. (b) Neglect.
California Adult Protective Service Agency: call (833) 401-0832 or visit the APS website for a list of county APS contacts. Attorney General's Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Hotline: (888) 436-3600. Long-Term Care Ombudsman/CRISISline: (800) 231-4024.
Action on Elder Abuse (AEA) Est 1993. AEA challenges the abuse of older adults, and influences the experience of other adults at risk of abuse, by raising awareness, seeking to raise standards of care, influencing the development of health and social policy, providing training and working with the media.
Elder Abuse Is a Crime in California Misdemeanor elder abuse can be punished by up to one year in county jail and a maximum fine of $6,000 as well as restitution. Felony elder abuse in California can be punished by up to four years in prison and up to seven additional years if the victim suffered great bodily harm.
If someone is living alone, then family members can step in to assist until finances can be set up, medicaid put in place and aides can be placed in the home or the person can move into a nursing home or assisted living facility, depending upon their needs. This is not a quick process, but it can be done.
Learn 5 Ways to Help Prevent Elder Abuse Learn the signs. Be on the lookout for physical and emotional abuse, as well as signs of financial abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Prevent isolation. Call or visit your loved ones and check on them regularly. Provide information. Be a friend. Spread the message.