ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES

Adult Protective Services is an organization much like Child Protective Services. Child Protective Services was created to protect children under the age of 18 from abuse or neglect. Adult Protective Services was created to protect adults over the age of 65 from abuse and neglect. This does not mean that older adults are helpless or more like children. However, certain older adults may be more dependent on others and are therefore more vulnerable to abuse or neglect.

Elder neglect is the term that describes an older adult who is suffering from being ignored. He or she may not be getting enough food, water, or medical care. He or she may not be getting personal needs cared for, such as being bathed or being taken to the toilet. He or she may not be getting dressed appropriately for the weather or may not have good housing.

Elder abuse is the term that is used when an adult is being hurt. Abuse can be physical, sexual, or emotional. Both abuse and neglect of older adults are much more common than many people suspect. Many times older people do not wish to report it because they are afraid of not being believed or of being forced out of a home or nursing facility with nowhere to go.

Anyone who suspects abuse or neglect of an older adult should report it. People who deal with older adults professionally are required to report suspected abuse or neglect to Adult Protective Services. This includes healthcare providers, social workers, law enforcement personnel, and many others. But anyone, including friends, family, and neighbors can report abuse or neglect.

If you want to make a report to Adult Protective Services look in the community services pages of your telephone book for a number. You may also be able to get the number from United Way Information and Referral Service, from Child Protective Services, the Area Agency on Aging, or from a hospital or police department. You can make a difference and help stop the suffering of a neglected or abused older adult.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File AGIN3363.rf2 VRS# 7802 Data 7.0