Elder abuse is a growing problem in San Diego. Often, the abuse is at the hands of family, caregivers, or shelter workers. Sadly, the truth is, most of the time victims of this abuse remain silent — either out of fear, shame, or dependency.
In this guide, we’ll discuss the 11 most common types of elder abuse in San Diego, their symptoms, and how you can get help.
If you suspect a loved one is being abused, take action now.
11 Common Types of Elder Abuse in San Diego
Elder abuse can manifest itself in many forms, which are often difficult to understand from the outside. Based on our 10+ years of senior care experience, the most commonly reported types of abuse in San Diego are detailed below — which San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, Adult Protective Services (APS), And California Department of Social Services Based on its information.
1. Physical Abuse
Physical abuse refers to intentionally hurting, restraining, or overmedicating an elder. The San Diego Sheriff’s Office clearly defines this type of injury. According to the San Diego Sheriff’s Office, these include:
- Unknown injury or swelling
- Denial of necessary treatment
- Overmedication or use of restraint
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2. Sexual Abuse
It is any form of sexual contact or harassment of elders without their consent. Elder sexual assault, especially in a nursing home or care center, is a heinous crime. Its symptoms often manifest as physical or behavioral changes.
Example:
- Unintentional touch
- Indecent comments
- Sexual harassment with products or images
3. Emotional/Psychological Abuse
Such abuse includes verbal threats, humiliation and social isolation. It causes mental suffering and emotional trauma in the elderly, which can create fear, anxiety or depression in them.
Signal:
- Lack of confidence
- Cry for no reason
- Be quiet when you see the caregiver
If you’re looking for assistance in managing emotional trauma in the elderly, explore our Dementia Care services, which address both emotional and physical well-being.
4. Financial Abuse
Financial abuse is the illegal use of seniors’ money or property, such as fraud, scams or stealing checks. Financial exploitation and elder money theft can rob elders of their life savings and push them into extreme poverty. These include:
- check theft
- Unauthorized bank transfer
- Misuse of money by the caregiver
For tips on managing financial resources, you may find helpful insights in our Home Care Services and Costs
5. Neglect – Active & Passive
Neglect occurs when a caregiver neglects the elderly’s basic needs, such as food, personal hygiene, or necessary medications. It can be either active (intentional) or passive (unintentional, but due to negligence). This includes:
- Unclean bedding or clothes
- Do not give food or water
- Incorrect administration of medication
6. Abandonment
Abandonment refers to leaving the elderly in an unsafe place (such as a hospital, crowded place or home alone). Elder desertion or caregiver leaves elder is a serious crime.
7. Self-Neglect
When an elderly person neglects his health, personal hygiene issues or living conditions, such as living in an unsanitary environment or taking no medication, it is called self-neglect. It is often the result of mental or physical problems.
8. Abduction
Abduction of the elderly refers to taking the elderly out of California or hiding them, so that their legal guardians or persons in authority cannot find them. It is often associated with unlawful removal and elder custody disputes.
9. Violation of Rights
Denying elders access to their autonomy and legal rights is a serious violation. This can include preventing them from making their own decisions. Our Home Care Services are designed to empower seniors by respecting their rights and dignity.
10. Isolation
Isolation is the intentional separation of seniors from contact with their family, friends or community. This includes intercepting their mail, phone calls or visitors. This creates social isolation and deprives them of community interaction.
11. Mental Suffering
It is the constant fear, threat or pressure on the elderly. As a result, anxiety in elders and verbal abuse are caused by intense emotional pain.
A good understanding of these types will help you recognize the signs of elder abuse in San Diego.
What does California law say about elder abuse?
California has strict laws to protect the elderly. Elder abuse laws in California are defined in detail under California Penal Code §368 (California Penal Code elder abuse). This law protects any person 18 years of age or older who is dependent for their own protection due to a physical or mental disability. This person has to qualify as a “dependent adult”.
Recently, AB-937 was passed, which added new provisions to protect the rights of seniors. California has mandatory reporting laws, meaning doctors, nurses, social workers, and certain other professionals are legally obligated to report it if they suspect elder abuse. The San Diego Elder Protection Act was created to ensure the legal rights of the elderly in California.
How to Report Elder Abuse in San Diego
If you suspect or confirm elder abuse in San Diego, it is extremely important to report it. Your action could save a senior’s life.
Step 1: Assess the immediate danger: If the elderly person is in immediate danger (eg, serious injury, difficulty breathing), call 911 without delay.
Step 2: Call San Diego County APS: For non-urgent but important complaints, call San Diego County Adult Protective Services (APS). Their helpline number: (Manual Touch: Add San Diego County APS latest and correct phone number here, eg: 800-339-4661). It serves as the elder abuse hotline San Diego.
Step 3: Visit the APS office or website: If you want to report in person, you can visit the APS office in San Diego or submit a report (APS elder abuse report) online using their official website San Diego County APS.
Step 4: Contact the San Diego Sheriff’s Elder Abuse Unit: In cases of serious criminal abuse, you can contact the San Diego Sheriff’s Elder Abuse Unit at (858) 868-3200.
Step 5: Anonymous Reporting Option: You can report anonymously if you want. The law allows you to remain anonymous, but the more detailed the information you provide, the easier it will be to investigate.
What happens after reporting: Once a report is made, APS or a law enforcement agency begins an investigation. They contact the elderly person and assess the situation.
How families can stay informed: Families may generally be kept informed of the progress of the investigation, but specific information may not be shared for privacy reasons.
See our Contact page for more information on who to call for elder abuse.
Finding out how home care helps prevent elder abuse
At Finding Homecare, we don’t just provide home care services, we are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of seniors. We believe that proper care and supervision are essential to preventing elder abuse.
Our services include:
- Trained Caregivers: Our caregivers are fully trained and aware of elder abuse prevention. Learn more about our Home Care Referral Agency services.
- Home Safety Test: We regularly conduct home safety checks to ensure that seniors can live in a safe environment.
- Transparency and licensed personnel: All of our staff are licensed and background checked. We maintain complete transparency in our operations.
- Regular check-in: We regularly check-in with clients and keep track of their well-being, which helps prevent elder abuse at home.
- Care Plan: A customized care plan is created for each senior, designed around their individual needs and preferences.
- Digital Reporting: We have digital reporting system which ensures quick resolution of any concerns.
Finding Homecare serves as a trusted elder care referral agency San Diego, providing trusted caregivers for seniors and protecting their rights.
FAQs for About Elder Abuse in San Diego
Here are answers to some common questions about elder abuse in San Diego:
What are the different types of elder abuse in California?
Elder abuse in California includes physical, emotional, financial, sexual abuse and neglect, self-neglect, abandonment, kidnapping, rights violations, isolation, and emotional distress.
What is considered elder abuse by law?
Under California Penal Code §368, elder abuse is the infliction of physical or mental harm on a person 18 years of age or older, or the failure to provide necessary care, if that person is unable to care for themselves due to a physical or mental disability.
What are the symptoms of emotional abuse in the elderly?
Symptoms of emotional abuse include fear, anxiety, depression, social withdrawal, becoming unusually quiet, panic in the presence of a caregiver, and lack of self-confidence.
How do I file a report for elder abuse in San Diego?
Call 800-339-4661 in an emergency. For non-emergency complaints, the San Diego County Adult Protective Services (APS) Helpline
Can I report elder abuse anonymously?
Yes, you can report elder abuse in San Diego anonymously. Disclosure of your identity is not mandatory.
Final Thoughts
Elder abuse is a complex and sensitive issue in San Diego, which deeply harms vulnerable members of our community. In this post, we’ve learned about the various forms of elder abuse – from physical injury to emotional distress and financial exploitation. Awareness raising and swift action are our strongest weapons in the fight against this dire problem.
Focus on protecting the seniors around you. If you suspect any signs of abuse, don’t hesitate. Your action is critical to help San Diego elder abuse.
If you suspect abuse, contact Finding Homecare – your trusted concierge caregiver recruiting company based in San Diego for elder rights. We are at your side by providing local elder protection services and elder support in San Diego.