Get Involved!

Report Elder Abuse

Criminal elder abuse and neglect goes largely unreported. Experts estimate that at least 4% of all elders age 65 and over in this country are abused. Less than one in 5 cases is brought to the attention of authorities. 

Abused seniors and dependent adults are silent victims. They usually are unable to report the abuse. Unlike abused children who may be discovered through the school system, abused seniors can remain isolated for extended periods of time. If you know or suspect that a senior is being abused or severely neglected ... YOU may be his or her only lifeline.

How to report Elder Abuse & Neglect:

Reporting abuse or neglect of an elder or dependent adult in Los Angeles County can be confusing since several agencies have jurisdiction:

If you believe that additional assistance is needed to resolve the problem, go to our L.A. Metro MDT page and see if your case meets the criteria of the Multi-Disciplinary Team for Consultation on Elders at Risk.

Assist a Senior or Dependent Adult in Need

General guidelines for first responders:

Agency follow-up:

Click on the thumbnail picture above to see a more detailed full-size chart of first responder response and agency follow-up. Use your Web browser's back button to return to this page.

This flowchart was prepared in the Spring of 2000 by the Hollywood Senior Action Committee and the Hollywood Multi-Disciplinary Team for Consultation on Elders at Risk. The chart was updated in May 2001 to reflect the larger L.A. Metro area.

Volunteers are Needed

Almost all public and private organizations providing services to vulnerable elderly in our community rely on volunteers to provide the level of service needed by seniors. Volunteers are needed and welcome!

A great variety of skills are needed, training is available and many levels of commitment are available. For a detailed list and description of volunteer opportunities, please go to our Volunteers page.

Adopt a Nursing Home or Residential Care Facility

It is estimated that more than 60% of people in nursing homes get no visitors. The positive involvement of family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, clergy, fellow members of a congregation and volunteers in the recovery or care of a patient cannot be underestimated.

The community can get involved in many ways:

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