A young woman and her 89 year-old great-grandmother, barely weighing 90 lbs., entered a bank to withdraw cash from the older woman’s account. As they left, the teller observed the young woman treating the older woman harshly while impatiently pushing her into the car. The teller reviewed the account and found suspicious transactions and reported her concerns to Sacramento County’s Adult Protective Services (APS). Upon visiting the home, APS found a malnourished and isolated woman. There was almost no food in the home and she had serious untreated medical conditions, which required hospitalization.
This case is an example of the types of reports investigated by APS. In 2013, more than 3,300 cases of elder or dependent adult abuse or neglect were investigated, including financial abuse, physical abuse, isolation, abandonment, abduction, and psychological abuse. APS also responds to reports of self-neglect, when an older or dependent adult is placing himself or herself in harm’s way, such as living alone and no longer remembering to take vital medications, can no longer drive, forgets to eat, loses weight, or cannot get to the doctor. APS can help elders and dependent adults connect with medical providers, community services, and trusted family members, to help them work to regain their health and independence.
"The Board of Supervisors recently approved six new APS positions to focus on the increasing reports of financial abuse," said Bradley J. Hudson, County Executive. "I think it's important to do everything we can to investigate and prevent this and other kinds of abuse against our elderly and disabled citizens."
In 2013, Sacramento County APS received 1,448 reports of financial abuse, and these reports have almost doubled since 2007. Specialized expertise is required to investigate these complex types of financial abuse that often occur in combination with other abuse. The new APS positions will form the specialized unit in early 2015, consisting of five social work investigators and a supervisor.
In California, the definition of an elder is a person over the age of 65; and a dependent adult is a person between 18 and 64 who cannot protect him or herself as a result of a disability, for example, a developmental disability.
Adult Protective Services cannot be imposed on someone, except in the following situations when a person may not be able to protect him or herself:
If an elder or dependent adult is confused, in danger, and unaware of the situation;
If the report involves a crime against an elder or dependent adult.
What can concerned friends, family, and neighbors do if they are worried about an elder or dependent adult who may be experiencing abuse? Report it to APS or law enforcement. These types of crimes are largely underreported because victims may be too afraid or embarrassed to report it. Some victims are prevented by the abuser from reaching out for help. A 2011 report titled “Under the Radar,” determined that only one out of 23 or 24 cases of elder abuse are reported. For concerns about abuse in licensed care facilities, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman can help (see phone number below). In California, the identity of the reporting party is confidential and not disclosed to the victim or the abuser.
Warning Signs of Possible Elder or Dependent Adult Abuse
Lack of necessities such as food, medical care, medications, eyeglasses, hearing aids, teeth, utilities, or appropriate clothing.
A new “best friend” enters the person’s life and isolates them from family and friends.
A caregiver controls the money while the elder or dependent adult is ignored or neglected.
An adult with memory impairment signs property transfers or legal documents without understanding the nature of the transactions.
Unexplained weight loss; suspicious injuries such as bruises, fractures, wounds; or reports of being hurt.
Locks outside bedroom doors or restraint marks on the skin.
Changes in behavior – sudden fearfulness, anxiety, withdrawal, cringing or confusion.
Unusual transactions or empty accounts.
Telephone rings off the hook with announcements of sweepstakes prizes or requests for money.
Contractors doing unlicensed, substandard home repairs or requiring excessive advance payment for jobs.
Investment advisors demanding quick action or “once in a lifetime” money making opportunities or pushing unsuitable financial products that earn the agent a high sales commission.
Together, we can make our community a place where older and dependent adult residents are safe. It starts with a telephone call.
Local and State Telephone Contacts
Emergency response for crimes in progress or immediate danger: 9-1-1
Adult Protective Services Hotline (Sacramento County): 916-874-9377
Better Business Bureau of Northern California: 916-443-6843
Community Services/Information and Referral: 2-1-1
Ombudsman Services of Northern California: 916-376-8910
State of California Contractor’s Licensing Board: 800-321-2752
State of California Department of Business Oversight: 866-275-2677 or 916-327-7585
State of California Department of Insurance: 800-927-HELP
Online Resources
