Police
Call San Diego County Aging & Independence Services at (800) 510-2020 to report suspected instances of neglect and psychological, physical, financial, or sexual abuse of elders and dependent adults. This agency carries out investigations and provides assistance and case management where appropriate. The SDPD will be informed if abuse is involved. If you know that abuse has occurred, you should call SDPD directly at (619) 531-2000 or (858) 484-3154. If the abuse is in progress, you should call 911. The police will investigate, take steps to protect the victim, prosecute the perpetrator, and inform the appropriate County office. The following are some signs of various types of elder and dependent adult abuse:
Self-neglect is also a serious problem for older persons. Suspicions of it should also be reported to San Diego County Aging & Independence Services. Signs include a worsening of medical conditions or a sudden change in weight or hygiene.
Another source of phone numbers and information on elder abuse and consumer protection is the Safe Seniors page of the San Diego County District Attorney?s website. This page is a valuable tool for those who are mandated to report elder abuse, as well as neighbors, family members, and friends who suspect elder abuse of a scam against an older adult.
At the federal level the National Center on Elder Abuse serves as a resource center dedicated to the prevention of elder abuse. On its website you will find information on:
Some other resources are listed below:
San Diego County Mental Health Services
Senior Services
(619) 692-8750
San Diego County Public Guardian
(619) 694-3500
State of California
Office of the Attorney General
Bureau of Medi-Cal Fraud/Elder Abuse
Prosecution Unit
(800) 555-5984