The 2018 -2019 Fresno Grand Jury has produced a report on elder abuse issues in Fresno County. (See pages 12 – 64) This is a brief synopsis of their findings.
Elder abuse is a silent epidemic.
Few people even know or talk about it; however, because of its sensitivity, and sometimes embarrassment, it goes unnoticed or unreported. The 2018 – 2019 Grand Jury investigated if public agencies who serve elders are able to adequately manage the current volume of elder abuse complaints they receive. And, furthermore if they are preparing for the expected increases in the elder population and the challenges this will present.
It is estimated that one in ten people age 60 and older are abused, neglected or financially exploited. Experts believe that for every reported case of elder abuse or neglect, as many as 23 cases go unreported. Between 2014 – 2015, Adult Protective Services (APS) statewide received 156,358 unduplicated reports of abuse which is a 22% increase since 2012. For violent crimes, Fresno County ranged from a low of 204 crimes in 2010 to a high of 285 in 2016.
Fresno County Needs Resources to Combat Elder Abuse
While agencies acknowledge that the number of elders is increasing at a pace faster than in previous years, and that it will have an impact, there appears to be no individual or community plan to address it. Based on the Grand Jury’s investigation, Fresno County could benefit from the allocation of additional resources in multiple areas in order to address the projected disproportionate increase in the elder population. Of importance is the development and implementation of a coordinated inter agency approach to serving Fresno’s elders, to include elder abuse identification, prevention, and reporting. Providers and community members need education and outreach to combat elder abuse.
Adult Protective Services
Adult Protective Services (APS) is mandated by state and federal laws to respond to complaints of elders (age 65 and over) and dependent adults (age 19 to 64) when they are unable to meet their own needs, or are victims of abuse, neglect or exploitation. APS responds to and evaluates these reports, as well as reports of unsafe living conditions regarding independent elders living in their home or in non-licensed facilities. APS can provide short term education and case management to assist the elder and their families in navigating systems that provide advocacy, counseling, money management, out-of-home placement, or conservatorship.
Examples of Elder Abuse
Since 2015, APS notes financial crimes are the most frequently reported crime. Financial crimes include theft or embezzlement of money or other property. Financial abuse ranges from stealing money from a wallet, taking over property, or closing out the elder’s bank accounts. The wealth or assets older adults have accumulated over time makes them a target for financial exploitation. The aging process often impairs cognition and physical health, causing dependency on others. Dependency puts elders at risk of financial and other forms of elder abuse.
Physical: Hitting, kicking, burning, dragging, over or under medicating.
Sexual abuse: Unwanted sexual contact, exploitation, forced viewing of pornography.
Abandonment: Desertion by anyone having responsibility for care.
Isolation: Preventing the individual from receiving mail, telephone calls, visitors.
Neglect: Failure of a responsible person to provide food, clothing, shelter, or health care when the means to do so are available.
Mental suffering: Verbal assaults, threats, causing fear.
Although not a crime, Self-neglect: Failure to provide food, clothing, shelter, or health care for oneself (includes hoarding).
How to Report Elder Abuse
The California State Long-Term Care (LTC) Ombudsman Program trains ombudsmen to investigate and resolve complaints made by, or on behalf of, all residents in long- term care facilities, regardless of age. These include nursing homes, residential facilities for the elderly, and assisted living facilities.
Anyone can report suspected elder or dependent adult abuse. Anyone who has full or partial responsibility for the care or custody of an elder or dependent adult, even if they are not paid is a “mandated reporter.” Mandated reporters must report suspected abuse to APS, the LTC Ombudsman, or local law enforcement.
Adult Protective Services Elder Abuse Hotline. (800) 418-1426 / (559) 600-3383
Fresno-Madera LTC Ombudsman Program. (559) 224-9177 / (800) 231-4024
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By permission. Elder Abuse and the “Silver Tsunami”, Fresno County Grand Jury Report No. 1, July 2019.