You never thought you would find yourself in this position — watching someone you care about suffer, suspecting something isn’t right and realizing that it is now up to you to take action.
In California, reporting elder abuse is more than just filling out a form or making a phone call; it’s a process that sets a lot of things in motion, many of which are not always explained clearly. So, if you’re standing at that threshold, wondering what comes next, here’s what you should know.
Recognizing when it’s time to speak up
There’s no checklist for abuse. Sometimes it’s physical, sometimes it’s emotional and sometimes it shows up as unexplained charges, unpaid bills or a sudden drop in mood or awareness.
Under California law, abuse can include neglect, financial exploitation, abandonment or even isolation, especially in long-term care settings. If something feels off, even if you can’t quite name it, you are allowed to say something. You don’t need proof, and you don’t need all the facts. You just need enough concern to believe that someone age 65 or older may be at risk.
Who you can call, and what to expect
In California, you have a few options: Adult Protective Services (APS), law enforcement or the long-term care ombudsman — all are valid entry points for a report. You can call, file online or walk in, and you can stay anonymous.
Once a report is made, the agency takes it from there: they’ll screen the situation, conduct an initial review and if appropriate, open a formal investigation. That may involve interviewing the senior, checking in with the facility, reviewing documents or medical files and coordinating with healthcare regulators or licensing boards. It’s not instant, but it starts with your report.
How the legal process moves forward
If an investigation reveals that abuse likely occurred, the case may shift from administrative review to legal action. That could mean criminal charges for those involved, or a civil case that seeks financial accountability, especially in situations involving serious injury, neglect or fraud.
You don’t have to participate in a lawsuit, but if you choose to, the process typically includes gathering evidence, reviewing facility records and identifying the chain of responsibility. Some cases end in settlement. Others go to trial. Either way, the law provides paths forward.
Finding strength in the process
You might be feeling overwhelmed — angry, exhausted and uncertain about what happens next — and that’s normal. But choosing to report elder abuse is one of the most powerful things you can do, not just for your parents, but for every other vulnerable person in that system.
You don’t have to have all the answers. You just have to be willing to start the process. Reporting opens a door, and sometimes, that’s all it takes to start shifting things toward justice.
