Adult Protective Services — for abuse, neglect & exploitation
Online support groups provide tremendous insight into healthcare social media. More specifically, about how patients and family caregivers use these tools to get advice on their challenges, threats and needs. These online networks have revealed opportunities to improved the education of at-risk patients and their family caregivers; especially those struggling with dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. Too often I find myself recommending that caregivers call Adult Protective Services in their area to file a report and request an investigation and support.
The Social Security Act of 1974 allows states to use Social Service Block Grant funding to protect older adults and adults with disabilities, in addition to, children. Older adults and those with serious health conditions and functional limitations may be able to live independently with the support from others for their safety, activities of daily living and care. Unfortunately, there is the risk of:
- abuse — mistreatment by one individual causing harm to another person.
- neglect — mistreatment by individuals resulting from inadequate attention, especially through carelessness or disregard for the needs of others.
- financial exploitation — when an individual misues or takes the assets of a vulnerable adult for his or her own personal benefit.
Perhaps the most challenging to recognize of the three is financial exploitation. Certain family members or friends may only show up for short visits and leave with cash, checks or gifts. Or, someone living in the home may not be contributing to the household finances. Or, a caregiver and/or the person with a Power of Attorney may not provide for an vulnerable adults needs by withhold or limiting access to their resources. Neighbors, friends and family members may become concerned that the older adult, or adult with disabilities, could be the victim of financial exploitation.
Regulations in each state vary. However, regardless of location, there are certain basic principles which shape Adult Protective Services practices:
- The client’s right to self-determination
- The use of the least restrictive alternative
- The maintenance of the family unit whenever possible
- The use of community-based services rather than institutions
- The avoidance of blame
- That inadequate or inappropriate services are worse than none (U.S. Congress, 1981)
The most important thing one can do is to call and report the situation and their concerns; whether the abuse or exploitation is intentional or not. The social service staff will intervene to objectively assess each individual’s unique needs and develop a service plan to maintain health, safety and independence. The service plan could include educating family caregivers on their responsibilities and facilitating ongoing support. Or perhaps, they will uncover information that relieves the fears of others.
To learn more, visit National Adult Protective Services Association website or find your local agency with the interactive map at https://www.napsa-now.org/get-help/help-in-your-area/ . Many have hotlines available 24 hours a day to take your phone call.
If you are concerned about residents of nursing homes, board & care homes or assisted living facilities, please visit the National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center website.
Don’t worry/suffer in silence, call the police or confront the person if you have concerns. Let Adult Protective Services staff objectively investigate, assess the situation and make a determination. They are backed up by a broad range of resources available to address the needs of those being abused, neglected or exploited.
Originally published at https://thielst.typepad.com.
