California. Adult Protective Service Agency: call (833) 401-0832 or visit the APS website for a list of county APS contacts.
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.
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.
If you are concerned that someone is attempting to victimize you or a senior you know, please call 911 or Adult Protective Services Hotline at (800) 491-7123 or your local law enforcement agency.
Their identity can remain confidential. If you are not a mandated reporter, you can choose to report elder abuse in California anonymously.
Mandated Report Forms: Form SOC 341 must be completed and signed by the mandated reporter. When Do Mandated Reporters Make Their Reports? Immediately or as soon as possible by telephone, followed by a written report or Internet report through the confidential Internet reporting tool within two (2) working days.
The APS program and hotline receives and responds to reports of elder and dependent adult abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. Mandated reporters are required to report known or suspected abuse, but anyone can make a report to APS if abuse is known or suspected. If someone's life is in danger, call 911.
Physical abuse is defined as any intentional act causing injury or trauma to another person through bodily contact. It is a deliberate act of force that results in harm, injury, or trauma to the victim's body. This can include a range of behaviours from hitting, slapping, and punching to more severe forms of violence.
Using power to oppress others is condemned (Eccl ) Hitting another is condemned in Exodus –27. Causing trouble in the household and bringing ruin to a family is condemned in Proverbs .