Safety and home
Adult Protective Services (APS)
Adult Protective Services (APS) is a social services program run by state and local governments. It serves older adults and adults with disabilities who need help because of abuse, neglect, self-neglect or financial exploitation. APS receives and responds to reports in every state.
Why it matters for your family
APS is where families report concerns about an older adult living at home. The ACL says APS is charged with receiving and responding to reports and working with clients and other professionals to maximize safety and independence. Most programs serve both older and younger vulnerable adults. APS does not always remove anyone. An adult with capacity can refuse help. The agency name and phone number differ by state, so search for your state's APS. A common mistake is to call APS in an emergency instead of 911. Have names, addresses, what you saw and dates ready. APS is not a way to settle a family dispute about care.
Source: acl.gov
Read more: Warning Signs Your Parents Need Help at Home
Related terms
- Elder abuseElder abuse is harm or risk of harm to an older adult by someone in a position of trust, or by a stranger.
- Long-term care ombudsmanA long-term care ombudsman is an advocate who works to resolve problems about the health, safety, welfare and rights of people in long-term care facilities.
- GuardianshipGuardianship is a legal process in which a state court finds a person incapacitated and appoints someone else to make decisions for them.
- Capacity assessmentA capacity assessment is an evaluation of whether a person can make a specific decision, such as signing a legal document or agreeing to treatment.
- Representative payeeA representative payee is a person or organization that Social Security appoints to manage Social Security or SSI payments for a beneficiary who cannot manage them.
- Care coordinationCare coordination is the work of organizing a person's care across doctors, caregivers, services and family so the pieces fit together.
