Brought to you by the California Department of …

1 Brought to you by the California Department of justice E PROTECT. SECUT. PRO. TE. IGA. EST. INV. Co-sponsored by California Department of justice IA. CALIFORN NERAL. STATE OF Y GE. T H E ATTORNE. OFFIC E OF. 2002. December Californians: ims of elder Dear Fellow o rn ians are vict 00,0 0 0 C al if row worse as at is tics, nearly 2 m th reatens to g ts. o n st at e and fe d er al st p ro p o rt io n, the p ro b le d en te d d em ographic shif ed y of cris is Bas year. Alread lts in unprece ia's elderly p opulation, abuse every m g en eration resu al ifo rn of the Baby B o o s th at C ecades. the graying s C en su s B ureau project w it h in th e next two d tate double in si ze the United S , will nearly Specifically, th e n at io n rgest in already the la ared to do?

2 St C al if o rn ians be prep e only thing necessary What m u w ro te , T h out nce can be said ab m an E dm und Burke o T h e sa m e tury Irish stat es to do nothin g. wing h teen th -cen o d [p eo p le ] tu rb in g an d rapidly gro Eig for go the most dis ers, should ph of evil is use one of s and caretak for the trium d to el d er ab ith th eir fa m il ie against ians respon . Seniors, w precautions how Californ m il le n n iu m dh o w to ta k e nd and areas of crim e in the new le in d ic at o rs of abuse an d to k n o w how to respo gnize the te llta ion, they nee learn to reco th e w ak e of victimizat ctims.

3 In becoming vi for aid. ate's most ey can turn me of the st to whom th der ab u se , so e called n in g h o w to combat el ca te s an d scholars wer lear vo w. as si st C al ifornians in rs , in ve st igators, elder ad their caretakers can dra To secu to d der abuse pro h seniors an uide to Preve nting &. respected el w le d g e b as e from whic C it iz en ' s G. duce a kno blication, A. upon to pro th ir ty -s ix page free pu this The result is igence g E ld er Abuse. le d with your dil Reportin e. C o u p rity ti se h el p sh ape this guid d er ly w ill live with secu exper California 's el perience and ensuring that Decades of ex ill as si st in resource w and care, this and dignity.

4 Introduction Table of Contents This guide is divided into three chapters. Chapter 1 addresses Chapter 1: Elder three of today's most prevalent areas of elder abuse: Part A: Physical and Emotional Abuse ..3-4. Physical and emotional abuse Financial abuse What is Physical and Emotional Abuse in long-term care facilities Elder Abuse? ..3. Recognizing the Warning Signs ..3-4. In each of these areas, the guide provides (1) a basic overview and definition; (2) a discussion of the most common warning signs; and (3) practical advice on how to protect Part B: Financial Elder Abuse ..5-13. yourself, a loved one or friend from victimization.

5 What is Financial Elder Abuse? ..5. Recognizing the Warning Signs ..6. Chapter 2 explains how to report elder abuse and to whom. Telemarketing Fraud ..7-8. Identity Chapter 3 provides a collection of valuable websites to readers in search of additional advice and information. Home Improvement Estate Planning Acknowledgments Part C: Elder Abuse in the Long-Term Care Facility ..14-19. This guide was prepared by the California Department of justice 's Bureau of Medi-Cal Fraud & Elder Abuse and Crime What is Long-Term Care? ..14. & Violence Prevention Center, in conjunction with AARP. How to Choose a Long-Term Care Facility.

6 14-15. The Department of justice gratefully acknowledges the Recognizing the Warning Signs ..16-17. following organizations for their contributions: Residents' Bill of Contributors (In alphabetical order): California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform, California Chapter 2: Reporting Community Partnership for the Prevention of Financial Abuse, Elder Abuse ..20-34. California Welfare Directors Association, Department of Part A: How to Report ..21. justice -Government Law Section, Office of the Alameda Part B: To Whom to Report ..22-34. County District Attorney, Office of the Contra Costa County District Attorney, Office of the San Diego County District Adult Protective Services (APS).

7 22-25. Attorney and University of Southern California . Long-Term Care Ombudsman County Law Enforcement and Prosecution Department of justice , Bureau of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse ..34. Chapter 3: On-Line 1. Chapter 1. Elder Abuse Three Indisputable Facts about Elder Abuse: Other than the victim's age, elder abuse is a crime which is indiscriminate in choosing who it strikes. Factors such as one's socio-economic status, gender, race, ethnicity, educational background and geographic location do not provide an impregnable barrier against its broad, horrible reach. Elder abuse victims often live in silent desperation, unwilling to seek assistance because they unfortunately believe their cries for help will go unanswered and they fear retaliation from their abusers.

8 Many remain silent to protect abusive family members from the legal consequences of their crimes, or are too embarrassed to admit that they have fallen victim to predators. Others fear that no one will believe them chalking up their allegations to the effects of old age. Thus, it may take the courage of a caring family member, friend or caretaker to take action when the victim may be reluctant. With your vigilance, care and cooperation, elder abuse can be stopped and its perpetrators arrested and prosecuted. In the past four years alone, social service and law enforcement resources have expanded dramatically to meet the growing need.

9 HELP IS AVAILABLE. Remember: If you suspect abuse, report it. 2. Part A Physical and Emotional Elder Abuse What is Physical and Recognizing the Emotional Elder Abuse? Warning Signs The existence of any one or more of Physical abuse includes: these does not necessarily mean that Physical assault abuse has occurred. Instead, treat them Sexual assault as signs that diligent attention or investigation is needed. Unreasonable physical constraint Prolonged deprivation of food or water Physical warning signs: Inappropriate use of a physical or chemical Uncombed or matted hair restraint or psychotropic medication Poor skin condition or hygiene Neglect includes.

10 Unkempt or dirty Patches of hair missing or bleeding scalp Failure to assist in personal hygiene Any untreated medical condition Failure to provide clothing and shelter Malnourished or dehydrated Failure to provide medical care Foul smelling Failure to protect from health and safety hazards Torn or bloody clothing or undergarments Failure to prevent malnutrition or dehydration Scratches, blisters, lacerations or pinch Self-neglect marks Emotional abuse includes: Unexplained bruises or welts Verbal assaults, threats or intimidation Burns caused by scalding water, cigarettes or ropes Subjecting an individual to fear, isolation or serious emotional distress Injuries that are incompatible with explanations Withholding of emotional support Any injuries that reflect an outline of an Confinement object, for example, a belt, cord or hand 3.