What Should I Expect When I Call Someone for Help?
When making the call, be ready to give the elder's name, address, contact information, and details about why you are concerned. You may be asked a series of questions to gain more insight into the nature of the situation. For example:
- Are there any known medical problems (including confusion or memory loss)?
- What kinds of family or social supports are there?
- Have you seen or heard incidents of yelling, hitting, or other abusive behavior?
You might also be asked for your name, address, telephone number, etc., but most states will take the report even if you do not identify yourself.
What Happens After I Report My Suspicions?
The APS agency screens calls for potential seriousness, and it keeps the information it receives confidential. If the agency decides the situation possibly violates state elder abuse laws, it assigns a caseworker to conduct an investigation (in cases of an emergency, usually within 24 hours). If the victim needs crisis intervention, services are available. If elder abuse is not substantiated, most APS agencies will work as necessary with other community agencies to obtain any social and health services that the older person needs.
APS agencies provide social services to insure the safety and well-being of elders and adults with disabilities who are in danger of being mistreated or neglected, are unable to take care of themselves or protect themselves from harm, and have no one to assist them. Interventions provided by APS include, but are not limited to:
- Receiving reports of adult abuse, exploitation or neglect
- Investigating these reports
- Case planning, monitoring and evaluation
- Assistance arranging for medical, social, economic, legal, housing, law enforcement or other protective, emergency, or supportive services.
It’s important to remember that the older person has the right to refuse services offered by APS. The APS agency provides service only if the senior agrees or has been declared incapacitated by the court and a guardian has been appointed. The APS agency only takes such action as a last resort.
Who Responds to Reports of Elder Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation?
Although Adult Protective Services is generally the “first responder” to reports of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation, many other agencies and nonprofit organizations work actively to protect vulnerable elders.
Adult Protective Services
APS is the principal public agency responsible both for investigating reported cases of elder and vulnerable adult abuse and for providing victims with treatment and protective services. Usually, the Adult Protective Services Unit, Area Agency on Aging, or County Department of Social Services is designated as the agency to receive and investigate allegations of elder abuse and neglect. If the investigators find abuse or neglect, they arrange for services to help protect the victim.
Law Enforcement
Local police, sheriffs, and prosecuting attorneys may investigate and prosecute abuse, particularly in cases involving sexual abuse or assault. In states whose statutes make elder abuse a crime, there may be a requirement to report suspected abuse to a law enforcement agency.
Long Term Care (LTC) Ombudsman
State LTC ombudsman programs investigate and resolve nursing home complaints, and in some areas, complaints about board and care facilities and professional home care providers. If you are concerned about abuses, check the state Long Term Care Ombudsman 
program in your area for help.
program in your area for help.