San Francisco Elder Abuse Attorney

Do you suspect that a loved one is suffering from mistreatment, abuse, or neglect in a hospital, facility, or at home? Elder abuse can take many forms, and it’s tragically common. If your family is facing this situation, a San Francisco elder abuse attorney can help you protect your loved one and hold the responsible parties accountable.

At Berman & Riedel, LLP, we have a proven track record in elder abuse law with the experience and resources needed to see these cases through to the end. We are committed to standing up for our community's most vulnerable residents. Call our law office to discuss your concerns and how we can help during a free case evaluation.

What Qualifies as Elder Abuse in San Francisco?

Elder abuse occurs when an elderly person is harmed or placed at risk of harm due to the actions, or failure to act, of a caregiver, family member, or facility. California law defines abuse broadly to include:

• Physical abuse: Hitting, pushing, improper restraints, or overmedication
• Emotional abuse: Intimidation, threats, verbal assaults, or isolation
• Sexual abuse: Non-consensual sexual contact or exposure
• Financial abuse: Financial elder abuse or exploitation may include theft, coercion, or deception involving money or assets
• Neglect: Failure to provide proper care, hygiene, medical assistance, nourishment, or other basic needs
• Abandonment: Desertion by someone responsible for the elder’s care

California has among the strongest elder rights and abuse statutes in the country.

The state protects elderly victims under the Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act (EADACPA). This law allows civil legal action for abuse, neglect, or abandonment of adults 65 and older. Elderly victims or families may pursue financial compensation through an injury case or wrongful death claim. In addition, Penal Code 368 makes elder abuse a crime, with enhanced penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment.

Do you believe your loved one’s rights are being violated or that they have experienced abuse? A San Francisco elder abuse attorney can guide you through the legal process and fight to hold the abusers accountable.

What Are Possible Signs of Elder Abuse and Neglect?

Elderly individuals may not be able to report abuse, which means loved ones must stay alert for red flags. Warning signs of abuse or severe neglect include:

• Unexplained injuries like bruises, burns, or fractures
• Poor hygiene or unsanitary living conditions
• Untreated bedsores, infection, or medical issues
• Malnutrition or dehydration
• Emotional withdrawal, fearfulness, or depression
• Sudden changes in financial accounts or legal documents

If you notice any of these signs, take action immediately to protect your loved one.

How to Report Elder Abuse in San Francisco

You have several ways to report elder abuse, depending on where the abuse occurred. Whether the abuse happened at home, in an assisted living facility, or in a medical setting, there are government agencies prepared to investigate.

Even as you report abuse, consider speaking with a San Francisco elder abuse attorney. A lawyer can help protect your loved one’s rights, gather evidence to prove wrongdoing, and ensure those responsible are held accountable.

Here's how to report elder abuse to the correct authorities based on where it has occurred.

Immediate Risk of Harm: Call 911

If your loved one is in danger, call 911 for emergency assistance from police and medical responders. Emergency response is always the correct action when there is a belief that someone may be in imminent risk of harm, or immediate police response is needed. Call 911 for:

• A medical emergency
• Crime, including assault or abuse, that is happening now, just happened, or you believe may happen soon
• Concern about a loved one's safety, especially if you can't reach them, have been prevented from seeing them, or see signs that indicate they may be in serious trouble

If you live outside of the area, you can call San Francisco 911 at (415) 553-8090.

Suspected Abuse and Neglect in Any Setting: Local Law Enforcement

No matter where neglect or abuse may be occurring, reporting your suspicions to local law enforcement is a good step to take. Police may respond before the state begins an investigation, especially if they believe a senior is the victim of a crime.

The non-emergency line for the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) is (415) 553-0123.

Elder Abuse Cases in a Home or the Community: Adult Protective Services (APS)

Adult Protective Services (APS) responds to reports of self-neglect, abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults and adults with disabilities who are living at home or in the community.

You can report suspected abuse or neglect by calling either 24-hour hotline: (415) 355-6700 or (800) 814-0009. If your report does not require immediate response or involve physical abuse, you can submit the report online at ReportToAPS.org.

Abuse in Adult Day Program or Assisted Living Facilities: Department of Social Services (CDSS)

The Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) of the Department of Social Services (CDSS) handles complaints and investigates reports involving poor care or abuse in these settings:

• Assisted living
• Adult day programs
• Board and care homes
• Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)
• All other Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs)

The division inspects facilities with the authority to issue citations or fines. They may even revoke a facility's license if it's warranted.

Submit a CCLD report online or by calling 1-844-LET-US-NO (538-8766).

Home Health Agency & Nursing Home Abuse: Department of Public Health (CDPH)

CDPH investigates complaints and reports of abuse or neglect in licensed and certified healthcare facilities, including:

• Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), also known as nursing homes
• Hospice facilities
• General acute care hospitals
• Home health organizations (HHOs)

A Home Health Organization (HHO) provides skilled clinical care such as physical therapy, wound care, and skilled nursing services. These organizations employ licensed therapists, nurses, and other medical professionals.

Submit a complaint online through Cal Health Find, or by contacting the local district office.

CDPH San Francisco District Office

• 150 North Hill Drive, Suite 22, Brisbane, CA 94005
• Phone: (415) 330-6353 or toll free at (800) 554-0353
• Email: [email protected]

Complaints against certified Home Health Aides (HHAs) can be made over the phone. The main number is (916) 445-4423, or you can call the message center at (916) 492-8232.

Abuse & Other Complaints Involving Long-Term Care Facilities: Long-Term Care Ombudsman

A long-term care ombudsman advocates for residents, helps seniors and families resolve issues with facilities, and investigates complaints involving poor care, rights violations, neglect, and abuse. This brochure tells you more about how an ombudsman can help.

The San Francisco long-term care ombudsman program is provided by the Felton Institute. You can call the LTC ombudsman at (415) 751-9788 or by calling the after hours crisis line at (800) 231-4024.

Felton Institute, 6221 Geary Boulevard, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94121

Abuse Involving Non-Medical Home Care Organizations: Home Care Services Branch (HCSB)

Home Care Organizations (HCOs) provide non-medical supportive services. These care providers employ Home Care Aides (HCAs), who provide help with daily activities of living. California’s In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program is one of the major providers of non-medical home care.

HCOs are licensed by the California Department of Social Services (DSS). You can submit a complaint with the Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) online or by calling 844-LET-US-NO (844-538-8766).

Resources for Seniors & Caregivers in the San Francisco Bay Area

Here are helpful resources and services in San Francisco, California, to help older adults and their families get the support they need.

• San Francisco Public Library (SFPL): Services for seniors, including free library by mail service
• SFMTA Free Muni program: Seniors who meet income requirements get free access to Muni bus, light rail, and streetcar services
• SFMTA Paratransit services: In addition to regular paratransit transportation, SFMTA offers Shop-a-Round, a shuttle serving farmers' markets and grocery stores, and Van Gogh, a paratransit shuttle service for group outings
• Adult Day Programs: Daycare services for adults who need help with non-medical activities of daily living, with meals, social and recreational activities, and more.
• San Francisco Human Services Agency (SFHSA): Caregiver services, meal programs, CalFresh Healthy Living, in-home supportive services (IHSS), food and financial assistance, and more
• Adult learning and activities: SFHSA offers free and low-cost activities, classes, and higher learning courses at dozens of senior centers
• On Lok: Nonprofit serving the Bay Area with the PACE full-service healthcare and senior services program, transportation, meals, an LGBTQ program, senior activities, and day programs, and the On Lok 30th Street Senior Center
• Catholic Charities OMI Senior Center: New senior center opening in September 2025 with daily activities, weekly food pantries, a senior center choir, and field trips.
• Openhouse: Country’s first community-based LGBTQ adult day program
• San Francisco-Marin Food Bank: Food assistance for seniors in San Francisco and Marin County with weekly free home-delivered groceries, meal programs, and food pantries.

How Our San Francisco Elder Abuse Lawyers Can Help

At Berman & Riedel, LLP, we have a long-standing reputation for advocacy in elder abuse cases. Our firm is one of the largest elder abuse law firms in California with a long and successful track record. We understand how overwhelming these situations can be for families. Our San Francisco elder abuse lawyers offer personalized attention, clear legal guidance, and tireless representation every step of the way.

We will:

• Investigate abuse or neglect and gather strong evidence
• Work with medical experts to understand the extent of harm
• Communicate with all parties on your behalf
• Identify everyone who may be held responsible
• Negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation
• File a lawsuit and present your case to a jury when needed
• Help you relocate your family member or otherwise ensure their safety
• Advocate for your loved one through every stage of the legal process

Contact our firm today for a free case evaluation with a San Francisco elder abuse attorney. We are here to help you seek justice and protect your vulnerable family member.

Call for a Free Consultation With a San Francisco Elder Abuse Attorney at Berman & Riedel, LLP

If you suspect your loved one has been a victim of elder abuse in San Francisco, don’t wait to get help. A San Francisco elder abuse attorney at Berman & Riedel, LLP is ready to review your case and help you take legal action.

We have recovered millions for elderly victims and their families and are recognized leaders in elder abuse litigation across California.

Call today or contact us online for your free consultation. We’re here to help you protect your family and make sure the responsible parties are held accountable.