Riverside County Officials Remind Residents To Report Elder Abuse

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Riverside County residents who observe or suspect abuse, neglect or exploitation of seniors should report it immediately, officials said Monday.

"We receive thousands of calls to our hotline every month, but we know that only one out of 10 cases of elder abuse comes to our attention," said Deputy Director of Adult Services Ryan Uhlenkott, at the Department of Public Social Services. "By speaking up, we can all raise awareness and eliminate elder abuse right here in our own county."

June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, and county social services officials are using the occasion to remind residents of the ongoing county campaign to catch and stop all types of mistreatment of seniors.

The county has been deemed the "fourth grayest in California," with one in five residents age 60 and over. That population is predicted to double in the next several decades.

"We are committed to providing accessible services to ensure our aging residents have a good quality of life in communities that support their needs," Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff Hewitt said. "These challenges are impacting many of us, and we need to meet them head-on together."

One in 10 Americans over 60 years old will likely experience abuse, with risks growing as they age, and cases of dementia and other debilitating health factors increase, according to DPSS.

"Our seniors deserve to be treated with dignity and respect," Deputy Director of the Riverside County Office on Aging Maile Haynes said.

The county is collaborating with state agencies in creating a "Master Plan for Aging," which would entail a higher degree of interagency cooperation to provide resources for protecting and aiding seniors, particularly those who are dependents.

According to DPSS, more than 35,000 reports of suspected elder abuse and neglect were fielded countywide last year. How many resulted in investigations and criminal charges were not disclosed.

In 2017, DPSS initiated its "Know Abuse, Report Abuse" campaign to awaken more residents to the existence of abusive circumstances and promote reporting suspected cases of neglect or other harm to law enforcement.

In California, custodial neglect and self-neglect are both treated as forms of abuse, officials said.

The following examples have been cited as red flags for anyone suspicious that abuse is occurring:
-- an elder or dependent adult going without food, water and other basic amenities;
-- dirty clothing and lack of personal hygiene;
-- bruises, black eyes, broken bones;
-- bloody, ripped or stained clothing and sheets;
-- acts of harassment, intimidation or humiliation; and
-- caregiver's apparent misuse of senior's or disabled adult's funds.

The county operates a 24-hour hotline to take reports of elder or dependent adult abuse: 800-491-7123.

Instances involving potential abuse at a residential care facility or assisted living facility should be referred to the California Department of Adult Protective Services: 833-401-0832.