<p><a href="https://oag.ca.gov/dmfea/mandated-reporter">California has stringent requirements</a> for Mandated Reporter Training on elder abuse. Several professions are designated responsible for the care of the elderly and dependent adults in California and must be well-equipped to identify and report abuse. Get a better understanding of Mandated Reporter Training and learn the different requirements that may apply to your profession.</p> <h2 id="understanding-who-is-a-mandated-reporter">Understanding Who is a Mandated Reporter</h2> <p>In California, mandated reporters are individuals who have assumed responsibility for the care or custody of an elder or dependent adult. This includes a wide range of professionals and roles within care facilities:</p>

<p>The world is aging. Globally, there are 1 billion people aged 60 and older, and the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates this number will <a href="https://www.who.int/health-topics/ageing">double</a> to 2.1 billion by 2050.</p> <p>As the world population ages, an increasing number of people will find themselves at risk for two age-related risks: elder abuse and dementia.</p> <p><a href="/images/uploads/mrt-infographic-aging-population.webp">Download our infographic to learn more.</a></p> <h2 id="elder-abuse-affects-1-in-6-aging-adults">Elder Abuse Affects 1 in 6 Aging Adults</h2> <p>Elder abuse is a serious issue in the United States and globally. Experts are concerned that elder abuse prevalence will increase in line with population growth. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/abuse-of-older-people">one in six people</a> aged 60 and older experience elder abuse every year. Getting an accurate number is difficult — elder abuse is vastly underreported.</p>

<p>Dementia affects 5 million people worldwide. The population most affected by dementia is the elderly — only 9% of people with dementia are younger than 65. While dementia brings a myriad of well-known cognitive and physical problems to those affected, there is a lesser-known side-effect of dementia diseases that is just as harmful.</p> <p>Unfortunately, people with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are more likely to be victims of elder abuse than those without dementia diseases.</p>

<p>Elder abuse is a grave and <a href="/resources/blog/6-reasons-why-elder-abuse-goes-unreported/">often underreported</a> occurrence that affects 1 in 10 U.S. seniors. This type of abuse can include sexual abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse, psychological abuse, financial exploitation, and self-neglect.</p> <p>The Elder Justice Act was passed in 2010 to help combat the tragedy of elder abuse, creating requirements for long-term care facilities and their employees to help protect seniors. Now, proposed 2023 legislation to reauthorize and modernize could bring new changes to care facilities.</p>

<p>About 1 in 10 people over the age of 60 experience some form of elder abuse, and spotting signs of it can be difficult to do. Common signs can include physical injuries, negative behavioral changes, or unexplained transactions. Depending on the context of the abuse, understanding what’s happening or being able to discuss the issue may be difficult for a number of reasons. Learning the warning signs of abuse and what next steps you can take can make a difference for your loved ones. </p>

<p>1 in 10 seniors in the United States will experience elder abuse. This all-too-common tragedy impacts aging adults over age 60 at home and in retirement communities throughout the country. Despite its prevalence, only an estimated <a href="https://www.ncoa.org/article/get-the-facts-on-elder-abuse">1 in 24 cases will be reported</a> to the authorities.</p> <p>Because elder abuse can too frequently go unnoticed or unreported, it’s vital that mandated reporters understand the barriers that may prevent elder abuse from being reported and that prevent seniors from getting the support they need.</p>