Resources and support available for older adults experiencing abuse in Santa Cruz County

Older adults represent more than a quarter of the population in Santa Cruz County, and this number is only expected to increase. Protecting elders in our community from financial, romantic and physical harm is key to supporting healthy aging. 

Elder abuse most often involves of isolation, neglect or abandonment, physical or emotional harm, or misuse or theft of money. Elder abuse can happen to anyone — a parent, friend, neighbor, acquaintance or to yourself. It is estimated that only 1 in 24 incidents of elder abuse is reported in the United States. One prevalent form of abuse is fraud, as more seniors are getting scammed online and by phone. 

When older adults experience a crisis, whether due to abuse by another person or because they are having difficulties caring for themselves, they may not know how to get help. Understandably, some older adults may feel ashamed, fearful of the government or worried they will lose their independence if they seek assistance. The County of Santa Cruz’s Adult and Long Term Care (ALTC) division of the Human Services Department is here to advocate for people experiencing abuse and help them stay safe and independent. ALTC protects elderly (60 years and older) and dependent adults, ages of 18-59, who have physical or mental limitations that restrict their ability to carry out daily activities or to protect their rights.

“ALTC is here to help,” said Melissa Villalobos, a licensed social worker and an ALTC Program Manager. “As a voluntary program, we offer support, provides resources, and advocate for individuals to help identify their needs, reduce risk and strengthen safety, with commitment and compassion.” 

The Age Well Santa Cruz County initiative, developed in partnership with ALTC, County leadership, the Seniors Council, and our City and nonprofit partners, is a key foundational step in the collective development of Santa Cruz County’s local Master Plan for Aging. It serves as a blueprint to promote healthy aging for all county residents, including the more than 72,000 residents over the age of 59 in Santa Cruz County.  It also aims to ensure equitable access to services and quality of life in all areas of daily living, regardless of age, disability, socioeconomic status and geographical location. 

Age Well’s recent community needs assessment, which surveyed 3,200 county residents ages 40 and older in 2024, highlighted areas where ALTC can support older adults who are struggling with: 

  • Burden and stress, which are high among caregivers, especially those caring simultaneously for kids and aging loved ones. Over 73% of respondents over 60 years of age provide regular to care to others with physical disabilities, memory care issues and serious illnesses. 
  • Higher levels of loneliness. One in five seniors reported feeling lonely or isolated at least some of the time. 
  • Greater risks of abuse or neglect among vulnerable groups like seniors or adults with disabilities. Most instances go unreported. 
  • Financial fraud. Of respondents, 7% of seniors report having been victim to a financial scam. 

ALTC can advocate for caregivers, seniors who are experiencing loneliness or self-neglect and seniors who are victims of financial or romance scams. 

If you suspect elder abuse, please reach out for support today. Your report is confidential.  Learn more at (831) 454-4101 or santacruzhumanservices.org/AdultLongTermCare.

About the County of Santa Cruz Human Services Department ALTC Division

ALTC, a division of the County of Santa Cruz Human Services Department, assists older adults and people with disability to maximize self-sufficiency, safety and independence. ALTC provides casework services and resource information that offers a choice of community services and care options. 

About Age Well Santa Cruz County

The State of California developed a Master Plan for Aging that was released in 2021. The Master Plan for Aging is a 10-year blueprint for advancing a California for all ages and abilities.  Individual counties, including Santa Cruz County, are now creating local Master Plans for Aging to ensure people of all ages and abilities in their communities are engaged, valued, and afforded equitable opportunities to thrive as they age, how and where they choose. The Age Well Santa Cruz County (Age Well) initiative is a key foundational step in the collaborative development of our local Master Plan for Aging (MPA).