All In-Home Supportive Services caregivers are mandated reporters of suspected abuse or neglect. This means that IHSS caregivers are required by law to report suspected cases of abuse to law enforcement or Adult Protective Services. By doing so, you can help stop the abuse!
If you suspect that an elderly or dependent adult* is abused or neglected, call to make a report:
- Adult Protective Services, (916) 874-9377;
- the Sacramento County Sheriff's office (916) 440-5111; or
- the Sacramento Police Department (916) 264-5151.
If you are not sure what is considered abuse or neglect, call Adult Protective Services and speak with a social worker. Mandated reporters are protected from civil and criminal liability as a result of making a required abuse report. You may remain anonymous when you report suspected abuse, if you so choose.
Abuse Defined
Elder or dependent adult abuse includes but is not limited to:
• Physical abuse (slapping, beatings, shoving)
• Intimidation or mental suffering (verbal abuse, withholding emotional support, confinement)
• Isolation (prohibited from joining others, prohibited from talking or seeing others)
• Cruel punishment
• Financial exploitation (theft, embezzlement, extortion, fraud, misuse of property or funds)
• Abandonment or imprisonment (left alone, locked in a room)
• Deprivation of food and water
• Inappropriate use of physical or chemical restraint, or psychotropic medication.
• Any treatment that cause harm or pain
• Neglect (failure to: assist in personal hygiene, provide clothing and shelter, medical and dental care, prevent malnutrition, and to protect from health and safety hazards).
* A dependent adult is one who is isolated, frail, demented, confused, and/or physically disabled and in need of a caregiver to provide personal care in order to remain living in his/her own home.
