Adult Protective Services (APS):

The Program | Fact Sheet | Common Terms | Links: ( Reference | External )
 

Frequently Asked Questions: (select link to see Answer)

How do I know if an elder (65 or older) or dependent adult (18 – 64 years old and physically or mentally impaired) is being abused or neglected?
Why does elder abuse occur?
What should I do if I think an elder or dependent adult is being abused or neglected?
After receiving a report of suspected abuse, what does APS do?
Who are Mandated Reporters?
What are the funding sources for the APS program?
I can't seem to find the answer to my question, help?

Adult Protective Services (APS) Frequently Asked Questions (with Answers): (back to Questions)

How do I know if an elder (65 or older) or dependent adult (18 – 64 years old and physically or mentally impaired) is being abused or neglected? (back to Questions)

An elder or dependent adult may be abused or neglected, if you see:

• Bruises that are not reasonably explained
• Hesitation to talk openly in front of relative/caregiver
• Fearful, withdrawn, depressed behavior
• Change from normal routine: yard work; housecleaning; personal grooming
• Change in spending habits; unusual purchases are made
• Family and/or friends are blocked from visiting by relative or caregiver

Why does elder abuse occur? (back to Questions)

There are 3 distinct types of abusers:

• Plotting Abuser – deliberately plots actions for own gain. For example, a new caregiver may move in and “helps” the elder by taking command of his/her life and isolating him from others.
• Happenstance Abuser – takes place out of happenstance. When the grandson moved in with Grandma he did not intend to use her money, but cashing his grandmother’s checks presented an opportunity he couldn’t resist.
• Overwhelmed Abuser – simply overwhelmed with responsibilities. Stressors in the caregiver’s personal life may lead to behavior he/she would not normally do, such as yelling or slapping the person for whom they are providing care.

What should I do if I think an elder or dependent adult is being abused or neglected? (back to Questions)

Anyone who suspects elder abuse should call:

• Los Angeles County Elder Abuse Hotline: 877-4-R-SENIORS (877 – 477-3646)

It is not your responsibility to investigate the situation or to know all the facts.

After receiving a report of suspected abuse, what does APS do? (back to Questions)

A social worker will make a face-to-face visit with the victim in his/her home to assess the situation. The social worker will make a plan, with the victim, to attempt to stop the abuse/neglect. The social worker will arrange assistance from other professionals, as needed for the situation, such as mental health professionals, law enforcement, attorneys and community agencies/programs.

Who are Mandated Reporters? (back to Questions)

The California State Welfare and Institutions Code defines “mandated reporter” as “any person who has assumed full or intermittent responsibility for care or custody of an elder or dependent adult, whether or not that person receives compensation, including administrators, supervisors, and any licensed staff of a public or private facility that provides care or services for elder or dependent adults, or any elder or dependent adult care custodian, health practitioner, or employee of a county adult protective services agency or a local law enforcement agency is a mandated reporter.”

What are the funding sources for the APS program? (back to Questions)

• General State Fund
• County Services Block Grant
• Federal Title XIX
• County Matching funds

I can't seem to find the answer to my question, help? (back to Questions)
We are very sorry that you are having trouble finding the information you need. We need to ask you to go to the main Adult Protective Services (APS) page one more time. At the bottom of that page will be contact information for the program. Please send the contact an email and/or call if you need additional assistance? If the information you are looking for is being asked by others, than perhaps you are asking the next Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) that will be added here, please suggest it! Thank you very much!

Elder Abuse:

The Program | Fact Sheet | Common Terms | Links: ( Reference | External )
 

Frequently Asked Questions: (select link to see Answer)

See Adult Protective Services (APS) for information.

See Adult Protective Services (APS) for information. (back to Questions)