Recognize, report the abuse of elders and dependent adults

June is National Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Awareness Month. El Dorado County's Adult Protective Services (APS) Program, part of the County's Health and Human Services Agency, is making a special effort to reach out to community members during this month.

“We want everyone to recognize the signs of elder and dependent adult abuse, to take steps to prevent it, and to make a report if they have concerns,” said Laura Walny, APS program manager.

El Dorado County has one of the fastest-growing segments of older adults in California. “People aged 65 and older currently represent just over 24 percent of the County’s population and that number is expected to rise. As our community ages, it’s imperative that we come together as a community in support of health and safety,” said Walny.

APS is a State-mandated program that investigates situations that involve elders (people aged 60 and older) and dependent adults (18 to 59 years old with a physical or mental disability) when those individuals are unable to meet their own needs or are victims of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. APS staff assess situations of potential abuse or neglect; provide supportive services and linkage to County and community resources; and work with individuals, families, and the community to provide a safety net for vulnerable older and dependent adults.

According to Walny, El Dorado County APS investigated approximately 1,758 reported cases of elder or dependent adult abuse in 2022, an increase of 37 percent over the last five years. APS staff is also a resource for people who have questions about possible abuse or neglect.

“If you’re uncertain about making a report, please call us,” said Walny. “We’re happy to discuss situations and help determine if they rise to the level of APS intervention. As always, if someone is in immediate danger where their health or safety is at risk, you shouldn’t hesitate to call 911.”

Know the Signs and Report Concerns
Elder and dependent adult abuse is defined as an intentional act or failure to act that causes or creates a risk of harm to the victim.

The State of California recognizes six types of abuse:
- Self-Neglect - Refusal or failure to provide himself/herself with adequate food, water, clothing, shelter, personal hygiene, or medications (if indicated)
- Physical Abuse - The use of physical force that may result in bodily injury, physical pain or impairment, or any physical injury to an adult caused by other than accidental means
- Neglect by Others - Failure to provide the basic care or services necessary to maintain the health and safety of an adult; this failure can be active or passive
- Sexual Abuse - Sexual contact with a non-consenting adult or with an adult considered incapable of consenting to a sexual act
- Financial Abuse - The illegal or unethical exploitation and/or use of an elder’s money, property, or other assets
- Mental Abuse - Verbal or emotional abuse such as threatening significant physical harm or threatening or causing significant emotional harm to an adult through derogatory or inappropriate names, insults, verbal assaults, profanity, or ridicule; or harassment, coercion, threats, intimidation, humiliation, mental cruelty, or inappropriate sexual comments.

Victims may suffer from several forms of abuse. Signs of abuse or neglect can include:
- Bruises, black eyes, and broken bones that are unexplained or inconsistent with injury
- Torn, stained, bloody clothing or bedding
- Lack of adequate food, water utilities, medications, or medical care
Cluttered, filthy living environment; dirty clothing and changes in personal hygiene
- Unexplained or uncharacteristic changes in behavior
- Unexplained purchases by the primary caregiver; another person’s name added to the bank account or important documents; new credit cards or increased cash withdrawals
- Harassment, coercion, intimidation, or humiliation


How to Make a Report
El Dorado County APS has a 24-hour hotline to report abuse of elder or dependent adults. To report suspected abuse or neglect call (530) 642-4800.

To report a suspected abuse of an elder in a nursing home, residential care facility for the elderly, or assisted living facility, call the State Crisis Line number at 1-800-231-4024 or the El Dorado County Long Term Care Ombudsman program at (530) 621-6271.

For more information about APS please visit: https://tinyurl.com/23hpm9e7