Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse:
 The Problem 
Elder Abuse, A National Epidemic
Elder and dependent adult abuse is a growing problem and nearing epidemic proportions. Research indicates that 1 in 5 elders are abused and the U. S. Bureau of Census estimates the number of seniors will triple in the next 25 years to more than 70 million people. Victims of elder abuse,neglect, and exploitation are 3.1 times more likely to die than elders who are not abused, neglected, and exploited. Accordingly, the Centers for Disease Control has recently identified elder and dependent adult abuse as a public health threat.  California Elders and Dependent Adults
The APS program services all adults who are age 18-64 who have a disability with physical and mental limitations that restrict their ability to carry out normal activities. California has the largest elderly population in the U.S. and leads the nation in the number of elder abuse victims. Moreover, our number of victims is growing at an exponential rate. In 2000 California had approximately 70,000 reports of abuse. This was 15% of the abuse reported nationwide. In 2001 we had approximately 82,000 and in 2002, based on the reports received to date, it is projected that there will be 100,000 reports of abuse this year.That means California will have almost 25% of the nation’s total elder and dependent adult abuse victims.
San Francisco Elder Population
Reports show that San Francisco has 136,369 residents who are age 60 and older – The 2000 Census states this represents 17.6% of the general population(776,733 residents). This is significantly higher than the California statewide proportion of elders at 14%. Functional impairment and the need for protective services increases with age. In San Francisco, there are 14, 227 residents who are part of the risk of “oldest old” (age 85 and older), and are at the highest risk for abuse and neglect.
San Francisco Dependent Adult Population
San Francisco Adult Protective Services (APS) is a state mandated program (Welfare and Institutions Code 15600) that serves the elderly (65 years of age and older) and dependent adults (aged 18-64 with physical and mental limitations that restrict ability to carry out normal activities) who are abused or neglected or at risk of abuse or neglect. APS is a voluntary program that provides short-term crisis intervention, assessment, investigation, service plans, linkages with other services and arranging for monitoring, with the goal of maintaining the health and safety of elderly and dependent adults in the community in the least restrictive environment. 
Reports of Abuse
In San Francisco for the fiscal year 2002-03:
- APS received 2,856 reports of abuse and neglect.
- APS opened 2,681 new cases of abuse and neglect.
- APS provided crisis intervention, case management, counseling and advocacy services for an average of 831 elderly and disabled adult abuse/neglect victims per month.
- APS received and responded to 331 reports of abuse taken after hours.
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