To report abuse, call 1-833-401-0832; when prompted, enter your 5-digit ZIP code to be connected to the Adult Protective Services in your county 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. If you or another person is experiencing an urgent medical or general emergency, call 911; for behavioral crises, dial 988.
Abuse Awareness and Prevention
| 12 Things Everyone Can Do to Prevent Elder Abuse | Flyer from the National Center on Elder Abuse. |
| California Works to Prevent Elder Abuse Video (English and Spanish) | Awareness video from the California Department of Social Services. |
| Elder Abuse: Shattering Myths and Taking Action | Article from the Aging Life Care Association. |
| Elder Abuse Fact Sheets | Flyers on elder-abuse subjects, prevention and awareness from California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform. |
Adult Protective Services Basic Information
| Adult Protective Services: What You Must Know | General fact sheet on APS services, roles and FAQs from the National Center on Elder Abuse and the National Adult Protective Services Association. |
| APS Public Awareness Video | Video from the California Department of Social Services. |
| Doing Our Part With Adult Protective Services | Flyer featuring APS FAQs, definitions and steps to take from the California Department of Social Services and County Welfare Directors Association. |
| What Is APS Video (English and Spanish) | Short explainer video from the Tulare County Health and Human Services Agency. |
| Your Rights Under Adult Protective Services | Brochure outlining rights under state and federal law from the California Department of Social Services. |
Caregiver Resources
| Area Agencies on Aging | Administers local programs on behalf of the California Department of Aging to serve older adults, adults with disabilities, family caregivers and residents in long-term care facilities throughout the state. |
| California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform | Fact sheets and resources—many in multiple languages—on nursing homes and related care facilities and services for older Californians. |
| California Caregiver Resource Centers | Administered by the California Department of Aging, regional nonprofits serve family caregivers of adults affected by chronic and debilitating health conditions or neurocognitive disorders; centers searchable by ZIP code. |
| Family Caregiving Videos | How-to video series and resource guides on common caregiving tasks from the AARP Home Alone Alliance; many available in multiple languages. |
| In-Home Supportive Services Program | Provides in-home assistance to eligible aged, blind and disabled individuals as an alternative to out-of-home care and enables recipients to remain safely in their own homes; administered by the California Department of Social Services. |
Consumer-Rights Resources
| California Department of Consumer Affairs | Verify a license, file a complaint or call for information about more than 3.4 million licensed California professionals: (800) 952-5210. |
| Center for Health Care Quality | A program of the California Department of Public Health, licenses and certifies over 14,000 health care facilities and agencies in California and oversees the certification of nurse assistants, home health aides, and hemodialysis technicians, plus the licensing of nursing home administrators; file a complaint online or by calling (800) 236-9747. |
| Long-Term Care Ombudsman CRISIS Line | Call (800) 231-4024 24/7 to report elder abuse, financial abuse, neglect or improper transfers in licensed long-term care facilities; administered by the California Department of Aging. |
| Long-Term Care Residents' Rights | Rights protected by federal law under the Nursing Home Reform Act and California regulations. |
| Residential Tenant and Landlord Rights | Rights and responsibilities outlined by the California Department of Real Estate. |
| Self-Advocacy Resources for People With Developmental Disabilities | Materials and publications to help you advocate for yourself or another person from Disability Rights California. |
Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Resources
| Emergency Preparedness Guide | Prepared by the California Department of Aging, helps older adults and people with disabilities prepare for emergencies to ensure they stay safe before, during and after disasters and other emergency events; available in multiple languages. |
| Emergency Preparedness and Response | Listing of numerous resources by issue from the California Department of Aging. |
Government Resources
- Federal Resources
Administration for Community Living Advances independence and inclusion of older adults and people with disabilities. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Provides health coverage to more than 160 million through Medicare, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program and the Health Insurance Marketplace. Department of Housing and Urban Development Develops policies and programs for housing needs, community development, and fair housing enforcement. Department of Justice/Civil Rights Division Enforces federal statutes prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, disability, religion, familial status, national origin and citizenship status. Department of Veterans Affairs Provides comprehensive, lifelong benefits and services to military veterans, their families and survivors. Elder Justice Initiative As part of the Department of Justice, supports and coordinates the Department’s enforcement and programmatic efforts to combat elder abuse, neglect and financial fraud and scams that target the nation’s older adults. Social Security Administration Administers Social Security benefits like Retirement, Disability, Survivor, and Family; manages Supplemental Security Income (SSI), enrolls people in Medicare and issues Social Security numbers and cards. - State Resources
CalAIM An initiative of the Department of Health Care Services, CalAIM advances and innovates Medi-Cal to create a more coordinated, person-centered, and equitable health system that works for all Californians. California Department of Aging Administers programs that serve older adults, adults with disabilities, family caregivers and residents in long-term care facilities throughout the state. California Department of Consumer Affairs Via 36 boards and bureaus, licenses and regulates more than 3.4 million licensees in more than 280 license types including certificates, registrations and permits; check professionals' licenses online or by calling (800) 952-5210. California Department of Developmental Services Ensures Californians with developmental disabilities have the opportunity to make choices and lead independent, productive lives as members of their communities in the least restrictive setting possible. California Department of Health Care Services Provides equitable access to quality health care leading to a healthy California for all. California Department of Justice/Office of the Attorney General Protects and serves the people and interests of California through a broad range of duties. California Department of Managed Health Care Ensures health plan members have access to equitable, high-quality, timely and affordable health care within a stable health care delivery system. California Department of Social Services Supports programs that serve more than 8 million people across our state. California Department of Veterans Affairs Serves and honors all California veterans by connecting them and their families with their earned benefits through education, advocacy and direct services. California Office of Patients' Rights Ensures that people with mental illness receive quality treatment from facilities and providers of mental health treatment are in compliance with the regulations of their treatment. Covered California A free service that connects Californians with brand-name health insurance under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act In-Home Supportive Services A program of the California Department of Social Services, provides in-home assistance to eligible aged, blind, and disabled individuals as an alternative to out-of-home care and enables recipients to remain safely in their own homes; information also available in Long-Term Care Ombudsman Assists residents in long-term care facilities with issues related to day-to-day care, health, safety and personal preferences. Medi-Cal Managed Care and Mental Health Office of the Ombudsman Helps solve problems from a neutral standpoint to ensure members receive all medically necessary covered services for which plans are contractually responsible. - County and Other Local Government Resources
Area Agencies on Aging Administers local programs on behalf of the California Department of Aging to serve older adults, adults with disabilities, family caregivers and residents in long-term care facilities throughout the state. County Patients Rights Advocates Protect and further the Constitutional and statutory rights of individuals in mental health facilities; act as liaisons to the California Office of Patients’ Rights. County Veterans Services Offices Local offices of the California Department of Veterans Affairs. Regional Centers Nonprofit, community-based agencies contracted by the Department of Developmental Services to coordinate, plan, and fund services for people with developmental disabilities.
Financial, Fraud and Scam-Prevention Resources
| AARP Fraud Watch Network Hotline | Scam assistance and advice from AARP; call (877) 908-3360. |
| Be Crime Smart | Information on scams and safety from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. |
| Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker | Report or search for current scams via the Better Business Bureau. |
| CalABLE | Offers savings, investment and other financial programs for eligible Californians with disabilities; administered by the California State Treasurer. |
| California Franchise Tax Board/Internal Revenue Service | Offers free tax counseling and filing assistance through the Volunteer Tax Assistance Program and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program. |
| HelpVul E-Platform | Addresses the potential exploitation of at-risk adults by using secure technology to connect financial services, APS and state securities regulators (private business). |
| Internet Crime Complaint Center | Administered by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; central hub for reporting internet or cyber-enabled crime. |
| National Elder Fraud Hotline | Call 833-FRAUD-11 (or [833] 372-8311); services available in multiple languages; a service of the U.S. Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime for people to report fraud against anyone age 60 or older. |
| Pension Counseling and Information Program | Assists older Americans in accessing information about their retirement benefits and helps them to negotiate with former employers or pension plans for due compensation; administered by the U.S. Administration for Community Living. |
| Women's Institute for a Secure Retirement | Offers resources and events related to women's financial knowledge and security. |
Housing, Moving and Organizing Resources
| 211 California | Dial 211 24/7 for local crisis housing assistance; services also available in Spanish; number available in most California counties. |
| All In Organizing | Sacramento-area home organizing services (private company). |
| Area Agencies on Aging | Provides references to local housing resources; administered by the California Department of Aging. |
| California Department of Community Services and Development | Administers the Low Income Energy Assistance Program and offers links to related utility-assistance programs. |
| California Moving and Storage Association | Industry organization of California licensed and insured movers and storage companies; provides searchable mover directory by county. |
| FindMyOrganizer.com | Online listing of California organizing professionals; searchable by city. |
| Habitat for Humanity/Home Preservation Program | Specializes in exterior repairs. |
| National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals | Provides consumers with information on working with organizing and productivity professionals and maintains the Find a Professional Directory (searchable by location). |
| Rebuilding Together/Safe at Home | Provides general repair services via affiliates nationwide. |
| Senior Move Manager | Moving and downsizing professionals accredited or certified by the National Association of Senior and Specialty Move Managers; searchable by state and ZIP code. |
| U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development | Features numerous general housing links and resources, including housing counselors and home-repair financial assistance. |
Legal-Assistance Resources
| Area Agencies on Aging | Provides references to local legal resources; administered by the California Department of Aging. |
| California State Bar | General legal resources and references. |
| HERA | Nonprofit legal service organization specializing in financial and housing issues affecting vulnerable Californians. |
| Legal Services of Northern California | Federal, state and local-funded legal services program providing free civil representation to low-income clients in 23 Northern California counties. |
Nonprofit Resources
| Alzheimer's Association/Northern California and Northern Nevada Chapter | Leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia. |
| ARC California | Advocates for people with disabilities since 1950. |
| Association of Regional Center Agencies | Promotes, supports and advances regional centers in achieving the intent and mandate of the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act in providing community-based services that enable individuals with developmental disabilities to achieve their full potential and highest level of self-sufficiency. |
| CalAnimals | Supports the success of animal welfare and sheltering organizations in meeting the needs of animals and people in their communities. |
| California Association of Health Care Facilities | Represents skilled-nursing facilities and intermediate-care facilities for people with intellectual disabilities. |
| California Council of the Blind | Provides statewide and local support networks and resources for Californians who are blind and visually impaired. |
| California Hospice and Palliative Care Association | Enhances the value and quality of end-of-life care for patients and their families by focusing on education and advocacy. |
| California State Association of Counties | Advocates for all 58 counties, develops leadership and policy programs, and provides services and partnerships that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen communities statewide. |
| Coalition for Compassionate Care of California | Promotes high-quality care for those who are seriously ill or nearing the end of life. |
| Disability Rights California | As an agency designated under federal law, protects and advocates for the rights of Californians with disabilities. |
| Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program | Provides free, confidential one-on-one counseling, education and assistance to individuals and their families on Medicare, long-term care insurance, other health insurance related issues and planning ahead for long-term care needs; also provides legal assistance or legal referrals in dealing with Medicare or long-term care insurance related issues. |
| Lions Club | Provides medical-equipment resources at several club chapters; check with your local chapter. |
| Meals on Wheels | Supports a nationwide network of local providers helping ensure older adults receive the nutritious meals they need to stay healthy, feel stronger and live independently at home; services searchable by ZIP code. |
| National Alliance on Mental Illness/California Chapter | Builds better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. |
Resources by Medical or Behavioral Need
- Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Resources
Alzheimer's Association Offers resources Alzheimer's disease and dementia resources for individuals and families; features free 24-hour advice line in multiple languages. - End-of-Life Resources
California Hospice and Palliative Care Association Seeks to enhance the value and quality of end-of-life care for patients and families; offers provider search by ZIP code. Coalition for Compassionate Care of California Features advance-care and palliative-care resources for providers as well as patients and families, with several in multiple languages. Compassion and Choices Offers end-of-life and aid-in-dying resources. Judicial Branch of California Features quick tips and simple forms on advance-care planning, wills and estates. - Hoarding Resources
Adult Children of Hoarders Private Facebook support group. Mental Health Association of San Francisco Offers online and in-person support groups for people with hoarding disorder as well as supportive families and friends.
Tribal Resources
| California Indian Manpower Consortium/Elders Program | Provides a comprehensive and coordinated system of supportive and nutritional services for eligible Indian Elders in more than a dozen Northern California reservations/rancherias. |
| Indian Health Care Program Locator | Searchable map provided by the California Department of Health Care Services. |
| National Indian Council on Aging | Provides information on Elder health, economic security, federal resources and more. |
| National Resource Center on Native American Aging | Elder services listed by Tribe. |
| Native American Elder Justice Initiative | Tribal hotlines addressing Elder abuse, neglect and exploitation within Native communities. |
Victim Assistance and Crisis Lines
| California Victim Compensation Board | State department provides financial assistance to help victims restore their lives. |
| California Victims Resource Center | Helps victims find necessary resources and learn about their rights in the criminal justice system; call or text 1 (800) VICTIMS (or 800-842-8467); live chat also available. |
| Crisis Hotlines and Warmlines | List of dozens of crisis hotlines and warmlines for various needs and groups, with many offering multiple languages and/or around-the-clock assistance; list administered by the California Department of Public Health. |
| Office for Victims of Crime | As part of the U.S. Department of Justice, supports numerous services including administration of the federal Crime Victims Fund. |