Elder Abuse and Neglect

Seniors Deserve Respect

If you’re concerned that a senior in a nursing home or residential care facility isn’t being treated properly, contact the Sonoma County Ombudsman Program for help. Ombudsmen are a voice for anyone concerned about a senior and for the senior who may feel overwhelmed, fearful or ashamed to talk to facility staff about problems. 

Ombudsman services are only for seniors living in long-term care facilities. Day or night, talk confidentially with state-certified counselors who can help resolve issues of neglect, physical, sexual, emotional, verbal or financial abuse at (707) 526-4108 or (800) 231-4024.

If you are concerned about a senior who lives independently in the community, call Sonoma County Adult Protective Services at (800) 667-0404, day or night.

How is Elder Abuse Defined?

Physical Abuse

• The infliction of physical pain or injury, sexual assault or molestation, or use of physical or chemical restraints for punishment, without or beyond the scope of, a doctor's order. 

Neglect 

• The failure to fulfill a caretaking duty, such as assisting in personal cleanliness, providing enough healthy food, clothing or shelter, or protecting a person from health and safety hazards.

Financial Abuse 

• The illegal or unethical exploitation and/or use of an elder’s funds, property or other assets.

Abandonment 

• The desertion of an elder by someone who is a caregiver. 

Abduction 

• The removal, without the consent of the senior’s conservator, of a senior to another state.

Isolation 

• Preventing an elder from receiving mail, telephone calls or visitors.

Mental Suffering 

• The infliction of fear, agitation, confusion through threats, harassment or other forms of intimidating behavior.