Protecting At-Risk Adults
Elder Abuse
Reporting requirements, warning signs, and legal protections for at-risk adults in unincorporated Jefferson County.
What Is Elder Abuse?
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office investigates elder abuse in unincorporated Jefferson County. Elder abuse can be any type of crime perpetrated against older adults, who are considered "at-risk" adults. Colorado defines an at-risk adult as anyone aged 70 or older.
Types of Abuse
- Physical abuse
- Caretaker neglect
- Emotional/psychological abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Financial exploitation
Reporting Requirements
24-Hour Reporting Requirement
Reports of suspected elder abuse must be made within 24 hours.
303-980-7300Reportable Offenses
The following crimes committed against an at-risk adult must be reported:
- Non-accidental bodily injury
- Serious bodily injury
- Death
- Unreasonable confinement or restraint
- Sexual conduct or contact
- Caretaker neglect
- Exploitation (depriving an elder of money, assets, or property through deception, harassment, intimidation, or undue influence; hiring third parties for someone else's profit to the elder's detriment; or forcing/coercing an elder to perform services against their will)
Mandatory Reporters
The following individuals are required by law to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of at-risk adults. Applies to all personnel, paid or unpaid.
- Medical professionals (physicians, nurses, therapists, EMTs, dentists, pharmacists)
- Social workers
- Court-appointed guardians and conservators
- Fire protection personnel
- Financial institution personnel
- Care facility staff and caregivers
- Home care placement agencies
- Clergy (outside protected communications)
- Emergency service personnel
- Mental health professionals
Warning Signs of Elder Abuse
Physical Abuse
- Unexplained bruises, burns, fractures, welts, cuts, or sores
- Pressure marks
- Broken eyeglasses
- Signs of being restrained
- Caregiver refusing to allow visitors
Neglect
- Dehydration or malnutrition
- Untreated bed sores
- Poor hygiene
- Unattended health problems
- Hazardous or unsafe living conditions
- Desertion
Financial Exploitation
- Sudden changes in bank accounts or banking practice
- Unauthorized withdrawal of funds
- Sudden changes in will
- Unexplained disappearance of possessions
- Substandard care despite adequate resources
- Unnecessary services
- Forced signing of documents
- Sudden appearance of previously uninvolved relatives
Sexual Abuse
- Bruises around breasts or genitals
- Unexplained diseases
- Unexplained vaginal or anal bleeding
- Torn or stained undergarments
Emotional Abuse
- Emotionally upset or agitated
- Extreme withdrawal
- Unusual behavior usually attributed to dementia (sucking, biting, rocking)
- Caregiver isolating elder from friends
Legal Protections
Good Faith Immunity
Any person who makes a report in good faith shall be immune from any civil or criminal liability, except the perpetrator of the abuse or exploitation.
Failure to Report
Willful failure to report is a class 3 misdemeanor with a minimum $50 fine; up to 6 months jail or $750 fine, or both.
Report Elder Abuse
If you suspect an at-risk adult is being abused, neglected, or exploited, reports must be made within 24 hours. Contact the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.
200 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden, CO 80401