1) Adult Protective Services (APS) is a state-mandated program that investigates reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of elderly adults aged 65 and older and dependent adults aged 18-64. APS receives over 110,000 reports annually in California. 2) County APS agencies are responsible for investigating reports and arranging services for at-risk adults. The Los Angeles County APS agency can be reached by phone for reports of abuse. 3) Most abusers of elderly victims are family or friends, and there are three main types - those who deliberately plot abuse, those whose abuse occurs by chance, and those who are overwhelmed caregivers.

1. Elder Abuse 101
“Crib Notes”
Danielle Kelley, MSW
Fact #1. The Mission
Mandated by the State of California, Adult Protective Services (APS) is a 24-hour service
program designed to investigate all reported at-risk situations without regard to income
involving the elderly 65 or older and dependent adults (18-64 who are physically or
mentally impaired). Types of referrals include physical, sexual or financial
abuse, isolation, neglect, or self-neglect.
Fact #2. The Scope of the Problem
Approximately 110,000 reports of abuse were received statewide during
State fiscal year 2006-07.
Fact #3. The Responsible Agency
ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES
COUNTY AGENCIES PUBLIC INFORMATION
LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Community and Senior Services
3333 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 400
Los Angeles, CA 90010
24 HR. ABUSE HOTLINE: (877) 477-3646
or 877-4-R-Seniors
Direct/Collect: (626) 579-6905
Fax: (213) 738-6485 (Intake Fax)

2. Fact #4. The Governing Agency
Each county has an APS agency to help elder adults (65 years and older) and
dependent adults (18-64 who are disabled), when these adults are unable to
meet their own needs, or are victims of abuse, neglect or exploitation.
County APS agencies investigate reports of abuse of elders and dependent
adults who live in private homes and hotels or hospitals and health clinics when
the abuser is not at staff member. (The Licensing & Certification program of the
California Department of Health Services handles cases of abuse by a member
of a hospital or health clinic.) County APS staff evaluates abuse cases and
arranges for services such as advocacy, counseling, money management, out-
of-home placement, or conservatorship.
Reports of abuse that occur in a nursing home, a board and care home, a
residential facility for the elderly, or at a long term care facility are the
responsibility of the Ombudsman's office which is administered by the California
Department of Aging.
Fact #5. Profile of the Offender
An estimated one in 10 adults older than 60 are abused every year, according to
the National Institute of Justice (2009). The grim truth is most of the perpetrators
are family or friends of the victim.
There are 3 distinct types of abusers:
Plotting Abuser – deliberately plots actions for own gain. For example, a new caregiver
may move in and “helps” the elder by taking command of his/her life and
isolating him from others.
Happenstance Abuser – takes place out of happenstance. When the grandson moved in
with Grandma he did not intend to use her money, but cashing his grandmother’s
checks presented an opportunity he couldn’t resist.
Overwhelmed Abuser – simply overwhelmed with responsibilities. Stressors in the
caregiver’s personal life may lead to behavior he/she would not normally do, such as
yelling or slapping the person for whom they are providing care.
Fact #6. Mandate Reporters

3. The California State Welfare and Institutions Code defines “mandated reporter” as “any
person who has assumed full or intermittent responsibility for care or custody of an elder
or dependent adult, whether or not that person receives compensation, including
administrators, supervisors, and any licensed staff of a public or private facility that
provides care or services for elder or dependent adults, or any elder or dependent adult
care custodian, health practitioner, or employee of a county adult protective services
agency or a local law enforcement agency is a mandated reporter.”
Fact #7. Signs of Physical Abuse (Nursing
Home)
Assault , Battery, Rape, Sexual Assault, Unreasonable physical
restraint Elder reports incidences of being slapped,
ridiculed or mistreated, Deprivation of food or water,
Giving improper medication , Unexplained injuries ,
Caretaker cannot sufficiently explain condition of the elder.
Open wounds, cuts, bruises or welts .
Slapping, pushing, shaking, beating
Other indication of nursing home abuse is negligence of caretakers or nursing
home personnel. In addition, some signs of neglect on the part of caretakers
include disregarding the needs of elders, neglecting medical problems, failing to
help in personal hygiene, failing to maintain clean and safe conditions and failing
to protect from health and safety hazards.
Sometimes, physical abuse and negligence are not the only abusive things that
take place in our nursing homes. Verbal and emotional abuse is also common.
References
Department of Justice “Elder Abuse”
www.elderabuse.org
California Department of Pubic Social Services
Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services