How Do I?

Outside California

Call 1-800-677-1116
Eldercare Locator

For information on services for seniors or adults with disabilities who live outside California.

State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP)

For one-on-one insurance counseling and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries, their families, friends, and caregivers.

    Report Elder Abuse or Neglect
    Reporting Abuse or Neglect of an Older Adult or Adult with a Disability

    Warning Signs

    Here are some signs that an older adult or an adult with a disability might be experiencing, or at increased risk of experiencing abuse:

    • The adult has unexplained bruises or injuries, or the explanation given does not make sense.
    • The adult is experiencing changes in thinking or seems confused or disoriented.
    • The adult’s caregiver appears to be angry, indifferent, or aggressive.
    • The adult’s personal belongings, papers, or credit cards are missing.
    • The adult is hesitant to talk openly.
    • The adult lacks necessities such as food, water, utilities, medications, or medical care.
    • The adult’s caregiver has a history of substance abuse, criminal behavior, mental illness, or family violence.
    • Another person’s name has been added to the adult’s bank account or important documents, or the bank account shows frequent checks made out to cash.

    Avoiding Fraud & Scams

    These sites provide good information on how to avoid identify theft and financial scams:

    Who to Contact

    Note: If the person is in immediate danger, contact 911

    If the abuse occurred in:

    The community (for example: the adult’s home, apartment, boarding house) or in a hospital

    Contact Adult Protective Services (APS) at 1-833-401-0832 and when prompted enter your 5-digit zip code to be connected to the APS office in your county, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

    A licensed residential care facility, assisted living facility, board and care home, or adult day program

    Contact the local Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman CRISISline at 1-800-231-4024 or the local police or sheriff’s department. You may also contact the California Department of Social Services at 1-844-538-8766.

    A licensed nursing home, rehabilitation center, intermediate care facility, or adult day health care program

    Contact the local Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman CRISISline at 1-800-231-4024 or the local police or sheriff’s department. You may also contact the district office of the California Department of Public Health for the county where the abuse occurred.

    If abuse, neglect, or fraud occurred in:

    Any Care Facility, Rehabilitation Center, Skilled Nursing Facility, Healthcare Facility, the community where an elder or dependent adult is receiving Medi-Cal benefits, or by a Medi-Cal program/provider

    Contact Department of Justice, Division of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse through the online reporting form or reporting hotline at 1-800-722-0432 or send an email to DMFEAoutreach@doj.ca.gov .