California Elder Abuse Lawyer Blog

June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 20:16:25 -0800

This year World Elder Abuse Awareness day falls on June 15th. We sincerely hope that people stand up and take notice of the growing epidemic of financial, physical, and chemical abuse that elders suffer at the hands of those charged with caring for them. There is simply no excuse for taking advantage of those who may be most susceptible to being victimized.

We encourage everybody to renew efforts to keep our eyes open for any signs of abuse towards elders. Elder abuse can come in many shapes and sizes including neglect, financial abuse, physical abuse & restraints, sexual abuse, chemical abuse and medication errors.

We also encourage anyone who suspects an elder is being abused while in a long term nursing facility to err on the side of caution and report your suspicions. Our elderly citizens deserve to be treated with dignity and respect in their later years. Every resident of a long term care facility is granted certain rights. If you suspect that these rights are being violated, we urge you to contact an elder abuse attorney immediately. It is our hope that by continuing to shed light on this growing problem we can come together to arrest the growing problem of elder abuse, while preventing future abuse.

Christopher C. Walton is a San Diego, California elder abuse attorney whose practice is dedicated to issues involving elder abuse & neglect. If you believe you or somebody you know has been subjected to abuse while as a resident of a nursing home, or in their own home, contact (619) 233-0011 for a free and confidential consultation.

Why Does Elder Abuse Go Unreported?

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 21:36:55 -0800

Elder abuse is believed to be widely under-reported. The National Center of Elder Abuse has said that only one of every 14 cases of elder abuse is reported, while others put the number as high as one out of every 23 cases. All told, however, the Senate Special Commission on Aging estimates that there may be as many as 5 million victims of elder abuse a year.

But with new laws which expand the definition of mandated reporter, why do so many cases of elder abuse go unreported? Experts believe that elderly victims fail to report for a number of reasons:

• No Family To Report Abuse To - Elders being abused may not have family members to talk to about abuse. If the abuse is occurring at the hand of a caretaker in a nursing home facility for example, and the elder has no remaining family, they may not report the abuse.

• Fear Of Retaliation - Elders being abused in a residential nursing facility may be fearful that reporting the abuse will only result in worse abuse from their caregivers.

• Shame In Regards To Abuse - Elders may feel ashamed of abuse being directed towards them, and feel too embarrassed to talk about it with someone they trust. This is a common phenomenon that victims of any type of abuse may experience.

• Fear Of Loss Of Independence - This is particularly true of elders who still live alone, but have a caregiver who comes to their home. Because of a fear that they will be forced into a residential facility, they often don't report abuse at the hands of family members or private caregivers.

• Fear of Upsetting The Family - Elders who are being abused by a family member may not report the abuse for fear of bringing shame to the family, or causing problems within the greater family dynamic.

• Lack Of Understanding Of How To Report - Elders may be reluctant to report abuse simply because they don't know who to report it to, or how to file a report.

There is no excuse for elder abuse, nor any shame in being a victim of elder abuse. If you or someone you know has been abused, report the incident immediately. To report elder abuse in San Diego, contact: San Diego County Aging and Independent Services 9335 Hazard Way, Suite 100 San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 495-5660; (800) 510-2020; (800) 339-4661.

Medication Errors in Nursing Homes

Fri, 31 May 2013 21:31:23 -0800

Elder abuse in any form is strictly prohibited by California law. In addition to physical abuse and neglect, medication errors in nursing homes are considered a form of elder abuse. Unfortunately, due to insufficient staffing in many long term nursing facilities, errors in the type and amount of medications administered to residents occur with alarming frequency. While in many cases there may be no detrimental side effects to an elder who is given the incorrect medication, or the wrong dosage; in many other cases, the error can prove fatal.

For example, if two patients' medications are mixed up, and incorrectly administered, the outcome can be disastrous. A diabetic who is mistakenly given a fellow patients' heart medication may not under normal circumstances have a negative reaction. However, if that heart medication happens interacts with other medications she is taking, or causes side effects that the patient can't sustain; the mistake can result in death.

Other medications must be taken consistently in order for them to be effective. Therefore, missing a dose of the proper medication can have devastating consequences on the elder who has missed their dosage. Other medication errors that may occur in nursing homes include:

• Failing to provide needed daily medication
• Accidentally providing an overdose of the medicine
• Providing the wrong medication
• Failing to check for dangerous drug interactions

Make no mistake, these types of abuse happen more often than any of us would like to imagine. If you do suspect negligence or errors in medication in a nursing home, report it immediately.

If you believe you or somebody you know has been subjected to medication errors while living in a California nursing home, contact California elder abuse attorney Christopher C. Walton at (619) 233-0011 for a free and confidential consultation.

Chemical Restraint In Nursing Homes

Fri, 24 May 2013 21:30:55 -0800

Elder abuse can take many forms including physical abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse, neglect, and a form of abuse known as chemical restraint (over-drugging). Chemical restraint includes using powerful medications (including anti-psychotics) to sedate elders in nursing homes. In the worst cases, chemical restraint has been used as a means of punishing elder residents in nursing homes.

Also known as over-drugging, this practice is unfortunately all too common, though it is not always reported. However, chemically restraining elderly residents of nursing homes is absolutely illegal in California.

In particular, nursing homes have been accused in many instances of administering strong anti-psychotic medications to elderly residents who do not require them. In more than one instance, residents of nursing homes have died as the result of this form of elder abuse. Thankfully, legislators are beginning to take notice of the problem of over-drugging elders in nursing homes, and last year California nursing homes saw a reduction of unnecessary use of anti-psychotics by 8.5%. This is great news compared to 39 other states, but fell fall short of the goal of reducing the use of these drugs by 15%.

It's encouraging that we are making progress, in terms of trying to eradicate elder abuse once and for all; yet that still means that thousands of elders in nursing homes in California are falling victim to chemical restraining techniques. This obviously means that we must work together to report suspected over-drugging or unnecessary medicating in all nursing homes.

Signs or symptoms that an elder is being chemically restrained or overmedicated in a nursing home may include:

• Increased lethargy or confusion
• Extreme changes in behavior
• Sudden changes in health

If you suspect that a loved one is being chemically restrained or over-drugged while in a long term nursing facility, contact Christopher C. Walton today for a free and confidential consultation. Chris is a California elder abuse attorney whose practice is dedicated to issues involving elder abuse & neglect. Chris can be reached at (619) 233-0011.

Sexual Abuse In California Nursing Homes

Fri, 17 May 2013 21:20:52 -0800

Elder abuse has been called an epidemic by the Center for Disease Control. Elder abuse takes many forms including physical abuse, neglect, financial abuse, chemical abuse and even sexual abuse. While it is unfathomable to try to understand why anyone responsible for caring for our elders would instead take advantage of them sexually, it does happen. Sexual abuse in nursing homes may be one of the worst types of crimes committed against an elderly resident of a nursing home. Unfortunately, this type of abuse is often under reported, due to a variety of reasons.

It is believed that one reason sexual abuse goes unreported is due to the fact that the elderly resident's condition is such that it is difficult for them to communicate the abuse to others. Sexual abuse in nursing homes is also believed to go unreported because victims are often terrified of their perpetrators and fear that speaking up will only provoke further attacks. Similarly, fear of being punished for reporting the abuse, including a denial of food or medication, may be another reason victims of sexual abuse in nursing homes do not report the crimes. Finally, others may not report the sexual abuse due to a feeling of shame about the incidents.

If you believe that someone you know is being sexually abused while living in a nursing home, you should immediately contact local law enforcement.

Christopher C. Walton is a California elder abuse attorney whose practice is dedicated to issues involving elder abuse & neglect. If you believe you or somebody you know has been subjected to abuse or neglect in a California nursing home, contact him at (619) 233-0011. Consultations are free and confidential, and cases are always handled on a contingency basis.

Signs, Side Effects & Symptoms of Physical Restraint in Nursing Homes

Fri, 10 May 2013 21:11:37 -0800

Under California law elder abuse is both a criminal and civil offense. Criminal elder abuse describes the willful infliction of physical or emotional suffering on an elder. Civil elder abuse can includes any physical or financial abuse, neglect or abandonment resulting in physical or mental harm. The unnecessary use of physical restraints in California nursing homes is illegal and may rise to the level of both a criminal and civil offense.

Physical restraints may be used to prevent an elder in a nursing home from falling out of a bed or a chair. In certain cases, the use of these devices, such as bedrails, may be helpful. In other instances however, the use of physical restraints may be deadly. Sadly, as a result of diminished capacity due to a senior's advanced age, physical confinement, and medical condition, it is often difficult for victims of elder abuse to speak out. That is why it is important for anyone who witnesses or suspects than an elder is being physically restrained against their will in a nursing home, to speak out.

Signs and symptoms that a loved one may be physically restrained without their consent may include:

• Incontinence
• Agitation
• Weak muscles
• Chronic Constipation
• Bed sores
• Loss of mobility
• Frequent illness
• Poor circulation
• Withdrawal
• Depression

If you suspect an elder is being abused in any capacity, including being physically restrained while in a long-term care facility such as a nursing home; report the incident to both the Local Long-Term Care Ombudsman and your local law enforcement.

Physical Restraints in California Nursing Homes

Fri, 03 May 2013 20:41:52 -0800

In spite of the fact that in California, the use of physical restraints on residents of long term care facilities is illegal, many elders are victims of this type of abuse. Unfortunately the use of physical restraints on elders in California is not only illegal, but gravely dangerous as well. Although physical restraints are often used, recommended or prescribed, most studies have shown that the use of physical restraints provides far more risks than benefits.

Every resident of every nursing home in California has the right to be free from any restraint imposed by the staff, unless specifically ordered by a doctor to treat a medical condition or to help the resident to function better. That means that you cannot be restrained by any staff member of a nursing home without your explicit consent.

But what exactly is considered a physical restraint? Generally speaking, physical restraints are defined as anything used to restrict the movement of an elder resident in a nursing home. These may include:

• Arm restraints
• Hand mitts
• Vests
• Leg restraints
• Soft ties

Other types of physical restraining methods involve the placement of items in the path of an elder resident so as to restrict their movement and mobility. Examples include:

• Placement of trays, bars, belts on wheelchairs
• Placement of wheelchair so that resident cannot move it
• Placement of bedrails so that resident cannot get out of bed
• Sheets tightly placed on the bed of elderly patient preventing movement.

The use of physical and chemical restraints in California nursing homes is sometimes a necessary way of protecting patients from injuring themselves and others. When used excessively or without consent, the practice becomes outright abusive. Too often physical restraints are used o make a staff member's job easier, rather than help the resident. Overuse of restraints is exacerbated by the growing number of understaffed nursing facilities.

Access to Medical Records in California Nursing Homes

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 15:06:50 -0800

California nursing homes must protect and promote the rights of every nursing home resident, including a resident's right to access his or her own medical and financial records. Given this basic principle, the difficulties associated with obtaining copies of a resident's medical records may understandably frustrate family members or residents themselves. However, it is important for residents and their families to remember that while both the federal Health Insurance Act ("HIPAA") and the California Medical Information Act ("CMIA") were passed to ensure that patient records are not disclosed to inappropriate parties, nursing home residents, their families, and appropriate third parties have a right to access the residents' medical records. This means that residents and their family members/representatives not only have the right to inspect the medical records, but also have the right to copy and amend them as well.

A Resident's Right to Inspect, Copy, and Amend Medical Records

Federal regulations require that upon the written or oral request of a resident, the resident be granted access to inspect all records pertaining to himself or herself including current clinical records within 24 hours (excluding weekends and holidays). In addition, pursuant to California law, nursing homes must also permit residents to obtain copies of their records. These copies must be provided to the resident within two business days of the request. Although the resident must bear the costs of making these copies, the cost of the copies cannot exceed twenty-five cents per page, plus reasonable clerical costs. Finally, under federal law, a nursing home has 60 days to respond to a request by a resident to amend inaccurate information that appears in his or her records. If the nursing home denies such a request, it must provide a written response describing the reasons for its denial and a notice of the resident's right to file a disagreement and to request that the original amendment request and disagreement be included in the resident's records.

A Third Party's Right to a Resident's Medical Records

It is important to remember that, as a representative, you also have a right to inspect and copy a loved one's medical records. California law defines a representative as any of the following:

1.) the parent or guardian of a minor resident;
2.) the conservator of an adult resident;
3.) an agent under power of attorney for a resident's health care decisions;
4.) a beneficiary of an inheritance, will, or trust; or
5.) a family member who is making health care decisions on behalf of an impaired resident.

In addition, a resident may also authorize other third parties to access medical records by signing a release form.

Elders and Falls: Common Causes

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 15:01:31 -0800

Falls in nursing homes are all too common, and consequently all too fatal. In fact according to the Centers for Disease Control's website, "Falls among nursing home residents occur frequently and repeatedly. About 1,800 older adults living in nursing homes die each year from fall-related injuries and those who survive falls frequently sustain hip fractures and head injuries that result in permanent disability and reduced quality of life."

In order to prevent falls, it's beneficial for elders in long term nursing care facilities to understand the causes. Here is a list of the four most common causes of falls.

• Nearly ¼ of all falls in nursing homes are caused by muscle weakness, or walking difficulties. If you or someone you love is having difficulty walking, use an assistive device, and make sure to request proper assistance from the skilled nursing staff of your long term care facility.
• Environmental hazards within nursing homes can also lead residents to fall. As many as 27% of all falls in nursing homes may be caused by wet floors, inadequate lighting, improper height of resident's bed, or poorly maintained or improper size of wheel chairs.
• Medications can significantly increase the likelihood of a fall. In particular, medications which affect the central nervous system (thus affecting reaction time, coordination and so on) may cause seniors in nursing homes to fall. The incidence of falls caused by medication is typically higher when a resident switches medication.
• Other common causes for nursing home falls include improper foot care (including shoes which don't fit properly) and incorrect use of walking devices.

Even under the best of circumstances, with all of the proper techniques and preventative devices in place, falls are bound to occur resulting in serious injuries or even death to the elderly patients who reside in California nursing homes. Often they forget that they have fallen or they don't remember why their head or side hurts. Family members and visitors need to be constantly vigilant in noticing signs of falls or signs of danger in the facility.

If you, a family member or a friend have a loved one in a California nursing home that exhibits signs of having sustained an injury from falling, contact Christopher C. Walton at 619-233-0011 for a confidential, no obligation consultation. Cases are handled on a contingency basis, which means that you will not owe an attorney fee unless there is a monetary recovery made for you.

Huge Victory For Plaintiffs in Elder Abuse Lawsuit

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 14:52:31 -0800

In another sign of just how serious California is about protecting elders from abuse; a jury in Sacramento recently awarded the children of an elderly woman who was abused in a long term assisted living facility, a whopping $23 million.

The jury ordered Emeritus Corp to pay damages after finding them guilty of malice, oppression and fraud in its handling of 82 year old Joan Boice, who suffered from Alzheimer's disease. Within just months of being admitted to the Emeritus at Emerald Hills facility in Auburn, CA, Boice developed bed sores, which were later listed as a leading cause of her death.

According to the Sacramento Bee:

"Already suffering from Alzheimer's disease, Joan Boice arrived at Emeritus at Emerald Hills in Auburn in September 2008. By the time she left in December, she had developed bedsores. She died three months after moving out, with the sores listed as a significant condition leading to her death.

In a two-month trial, plaintiffs put on evidence that the Emerald Hills resident nurse told a caregiver at Emerald Hills who first found the sores to "just don't let anybody know," because the disclosure would have resulted in Mrs. Boice's removal from the facility.
Along with systemic understaffing and a lack of training, Emeritus' retention policies designed to keep "heads in the beds" resulted from a corporate drive for profits that put the bottom line above residents' care, according to the plaintiffs.

"It was an eye-opener," juror Mark Jackson, a mechanic, said of the nine-week trial. "And the world needs to know what's going on - California needs to know what's going on with elder abuse in these homes. We need to open our eyes to what's going on around us."

If you suspect an elder is being abused in any capacity, while in a long-term care facility such as a nursing home, you can report the incident to the Local Long-Term Care Ombudsman, your local law enforcement and/or the Department of Public Health.

Christopher C. Walton is a California elder abuse attorney whose practice is dedicated to issues involving elder abuse & neglect. If you believe you or somebody you know has been subjected to any form of abuse in a California nursing home, contact Christopher C. Walton at (619) 233-0011 for a free and confidential consultation. Mr. Walton is a California elder abuse attorney whose practice is dedicated to issues involving elder abuse & neglect. Cases are handled on a contingency basis, which means that you will not owe attorney fees unless there is a monetary recovery made for you.

All California Nursing Homes Must Use California's Standard Admission Agreement

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 15:03:41 -0800

California nursing home residents have certain rights under both federal and California law, including certain rights about the content of admission agreement contracts.

Under California law, admission agreements must meet certain minimum requirements, including the following laid out by California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform:

• A contract may not require that the resident pay with private funds for a specific period of time, meaning the contract cannot forbid a resident to pay with Medicare or Medi-Cal funds;
• A contract may not require, at the time of admission, that the resident give notice that he or she intends to convert to Medi-Cal status;
• A contract may not require the resident to promise not to apply for Medicare or Medi-Cal benefits; and
• A contract may not require a third-party guarantee of payment as a condition of admission or expedited admission.

Unfortunately, despite the requisite rights provided for by law, in the past, these admission agreements were written by the nursing homes themselves and often contained deceptive or illegal terms. However, California became the first state to outlaw the use of admission contracts written by nursing homes. In fact, as of April 6, 2012, all California nursing homes are required to use the Standard Admission Agreement (the "Agreement") developed by the California Department of Health.

As a representative or resident, it is imperative to know the rights and responsibilities that the Agreement provides in order to help prevent elder abuse. Among the rights that the Agreement provides are the following:

1) The person being admitted to the nursing home is the only person required to sign the Agreement. If the resident is unable to do so, a representative may do so for the resident.

2) Signing the Agreement as a resident's representative does not make a representative responsible for using his or her own money to pay for the nursing home care.

3) Neither a resident nor a representative can be required to sign any other documents at the time of admission or as a condition of admission--while the nursing home may ask you to sign additional documents, it is best to take time to review these documents in advance as these documents may conflict with the Agreement and attempt to restrict a resident's rights.

4) A resident cannot be required to sign an arbitration agreement as a condition of admission to a facility and the nursing home cannot present an arbitration agreement as part of the Agreement.

An Overview: Residents' Rights in a Long Term Care Facility

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 11:23:22 -0800

Elder abuse in California in long term care facilities can be both a criminal and civil offense. Civil elder abuse includes any physical or financial abuse, neglect or abandonment resulting in physical or mental harm. No resident of a long-term care facility deserves to be subjected to any type of neglect, isolation, fraud, physical abuse or any other kind of abuse.

On the contrary, California Law guarantees, all residents of long term care facilities including nursing homes, very specific rights and freedoms, in an effort to prevent abuse. If you're considering helping to place an elder into a long term care facility, be mindful that your loved one has, at a minimum, the following rights granted under protection from federal and state laws.

• The right to be treated with respect and dignity
• The right to privacy during treatment
• The right to privacy during personal care
• The right to choose your personal physician
• The right to participate in one's own treatment planning and decision making
• The right to receive care to ensure proper personal hygiene
• The right to reside in a clean, sanitary facility
• The right to receive proper nutrition in quality and quantity as per physician's recommendations
• The right to voice grievances and/or suggest policy changes to the facility without fear of repercussions
• The right to make and receive phone calls privately
• The right to privacy in visits from family members and friends
• The right to be completely free from abuse, chemical restraints and physical restraints which are not required to treat medical symptoms.

The state of California has taken a firm stance and zero tolerance policy towards elder abuse in any capacity. As part of their mission to encourage all Californians to report suspected elder abuse, the state has created The Citizen's Guide To Preventing and Reporting Elder Abuse, which can be viewed in its entirety here.

If you suspect that a friend, family member, or loved one has been the victim of elder abuse, contact an experienced California elder abuse lawyer to help evaluate your case and advise you how to proceed. Christopher Walton has years of experience providing caring, compassionate representation to victims of elder abuse and their families. Call (619) 233-0011 for a confidential consultation.

Reporting Elder Abuse Is Easier Than You Think

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 11:18:47 -0800

In recent posts, we've focused on new laws, which require that any mandated reporter report elder abuse within 48 hours. But what if you're not a mandated reporter, but still suspect that elder abuse is occurring? The general rule of thumb is to always err on the side of caution. Unfortunately, if unreported, elder abuse often escalates, and all too often the results are tragic. If you suspect an elder you know is being abused, report it immediately. You may be saving the health, assets, or even the life of an elder who may be too afraid to report the abuse themselves.

There are numerous ways to report suspected elder abuse, and it is probably much easier than you think. Furthermore you will be protected from criminal or civil liability, so do not let the fear of retribution prevent you from ever reporting abuse.

If you suspect an elder is being abused in any capacity, while in a long-term care facility such as a nursing home; report the incident to both the Local Long-Term Care Ombudsman and the California Department of Public Health. You should also consider reporting to Adult Protective Services Agency.

If you suspect an elder is being abused outside of a long-term care facility, such as in a private residence, contact your local Adult Protective Services Agency. The APS provides assistance to adults and elderly who are functionally impaired, and who may be victims of abuse, neglect or exploitation. All APS agencies in California have a 24/7 hotline that may be called to report suspected abuse.

In San Diego County, you may also contact: San Diego County Aging and Independent Services 9335 Hazard Way, Suite 100 San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 495-5660.

Elder abuse in California can be both a criminal and civil offense. Criminal elder abuse describes the willful infliction of physical or emotional suffering on an elder. Civil elder abuse includes any physical or financial abuse, neglect or abandonment resulting in physical or mental harm.

Recognizing Signs of Neglect In Nursing Homes

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 11:06:45 -0800

According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, Bureau of Justice Statistics, in 2010 nearly 6 million cases of elder abuse were reported in the United States. That means that nearly 10% of the elderly population reported being physically, financially or emotionally abused. Unfortunately, these statistics probably only represent a fraction of the actual cases of elder abuse, as the NCEA estimates that only 1 of 14 cases of elder abuse is ever reported.

According to the same study, neglect accounts for almost 60% of reported elder abuse cases. Neglect is a form of abuse wherein a caregiver fails to provide an elderly resident with basic needs including food, water, medical assistance, shelter, personal hygiene products and so on. While some forms of neglect such as bed sores may be obvious (and life threatening); other symptoms of neglect may be more difficult to detect.

Here is a partial list of warning signs or symptoms that an elder you love may be suffering from neglect in a nursing home.

• Sudden weight loss
• Poor personal hygiene
• Excessive sleepiness or confusion with no apparent cause
• Lack of necessities, including prescription eye glasses, dentures, hearing aids, canes, or other devices to aid in mobility and quality of life
• Skin rashes
• Improper clothing for weather
• Matted hair
• Dirty hands/fingernails
• Reports of nightmares & trouble sleeping
• Appears afraid of staff of nursing home
• Demonstrates emotional distress including depression and despair
• Appears withdrawn or detached

If you suspect somebody is being neglected while in a long-term care facility such as a nursing home; you should consider reporting the incident to both the Local Long-Term Care Ombudsman and the California Department of Public Health. You can also contact Adult Protective Services and your local law enforcement.

Christopher C. Walton is a San Diego nursing home neglect attorney whose practice is dedicated to issues involving elder abuse & neglect. If you or somebody you know shows signs of neglect or abuse, please call us at (619) 233-0011 for a free and confidential consultation with an elder abuse attorney.

Son To Stand Trial For Attempted Murder Of 73 Year Old Mother

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 11:01:17 -0800

In one of the more visible and deplorable recent cases of elder abuse in Southern California, Judge Angel Bermudez has ordered 47 year old Gregory Cornelius to stand trial on charges of attempted murder against his 73 year old mother.

According to the Associated Press, JoAnn Cornelius told police officers in April of 2012 that her son had duct taped her to a chair, taken away her glasses and hearing aids, and cut off her oxygen.

When police arrived at her home in The Colony retirement community, officers found 73 year old Joann bleeding and struggling to breathe. She also had bruises covering her face and arms, and was ultimately found to have six broken ribs.

Initial reports have indicated that Gregory Cornelius was living with his mother and he was angry she didn't do his laundry.

After hearing testimony Judge Bermudez said there was enough evidence to order Gregory Cornelius, to stand trial, and set his bail at $2 million. If convicted he faces life in prison.
Elder abuse in California is both a criminal and civil offense. Criminal elder abuse describes the willful infliction of physical or emotional suffering on an elder. Civil elder abuse includes any physical or financial abuse, neglect or abandonment resulting in physical or mental harm.

If you suspect an elder is being abused by a family member in a private residence, contact your local Adult Protective Services Agency (APS). The APS provides assistance to adults and elderly who are functionally impaired, and who may be victims of abuse, neglect or exploitation. All APS agencies in California have a 24/7 hotline that may be called to report suspected abuse.

For more information in San Diego County, you may contact: San Diego County Aging and Independent Services 9335 Hazard Way, Suite 100 San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 495-5660.