NEGLECT & SELF-NEGLECT

Includes failures by individuals to support the physical, emotional and social needs of adults dependent on others for their primary care.

TYPES

SELF-NEGLECT?

Self-Neglect is another serious problem that APS can address. To learn more about Self-Neglect, click below.

“When to Report”

CHECKLIST

If you witness a life-threatening situation involving a senior or adult with disabilities, dial 911 . Contact your local Adult Protective Services agency anytime you observe or suspect the following:

• Sudden inability to meet essential physical, psychological or social needs which threatens health, safety or well-being
• Disappearing from contact with neighbors, friends or family
• Appearing hungry, malnourished, or with a sudden weight loss
• Appearing disoriented or confused
• Suddenly appearing disheveled or wearing soiled clothing
• Failing by caregiver(s) to arrive as scheduled — or disappearing without notice
• Expressing feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness or insignificance
• Failing to take prescribed medications or nutritional supplements
• Blaming self for problems arising with family or caregivers
• Living in squalor or hazardous situations such as hoarding or cluttering

What are the

SIGNS OF NEGLECT?

What are some

RISK FACTORS?

• Failing to provide needed supervision
• Abandonment
• Excessive stress or burden on the caregiver
• Lack of resources and support for the caregiver
• Sudden increase in caregiver responsibilities
• Isolation of caregiver and vulnerable adult

What If…

I’M NOT SURE?

Do you just have a “feeling” about a situation but can’t verify the details? APS professionals are trained to assess each situation. Based on your report, your local APS agency will determine how best to respond.

What Happens

AFTER A REPORT IS MADE?

A concerned citizen contacts his/her local APS office to report concerns about the welfare of a senior or adult with disabilities.

The details provided in the report will be screened by a trained professional to evaluate if it meets the statutory requirements for APS services in the state and/or municipality receiving the report. Here is more information about what may constitute abuse, neglect or exploitation.

If the situation meets criteria for abuse, neglect or exploitation, an APS worker will initiate face-to-face contact with the adult needing assistance. The APS worker will assess the adult’s safety, need for assistance, and determine what services, if any, would be beneficial to maintain his/her well-being and independence. Learn more about the services APS workers offer here .

While APS workers help thousands of vulnerable adults every day, individuals always have the right to decline services.

Understanding

MANDATORY REPORTING

In most states in the US, certain individuals are required by law to report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation of vulnerable adults to adult protective services. This is referred to as “mandatory reporting.” Some states only require certain professionals to report their concerns. Other states require all citizens to report their concerns. For more information about each state’s mandatory reporting law, you may review the Nationwide Survey of Mandatory Reporting Requirements for Elderly and/or Vulnerable Persons.

Why are Mandated Reporters required to report?

Mandated reporters, together with APS, play an important role in helping seniors and adults with disabilities live lives free of abuse and neglect. For that reason, mandated reporters are required to report incidents to APS, and there may be legal repercussions for failing to report suspected incidents of abuse, neglect, self-neglect and exploitation.

What APS Reporters Need to Know

Please click here to view and download the information sheet titled “What APS Reporters Need to Know.” This document is intended to provide an overview of APS’s role. APS program administrators can utilize the PDF above as a handout or can download the template version here in order to incorporate specific state policies and procedures and/or to add instructions on how to report in a specific state. APS programs can also post this flyer on their websites as a resource for community partners.

RESOURCES ABOUT NEGLECT & SELF-NEGLECT

Webinar: Self-Neglect Among Older Adults: Is it a “Lifestyle” Choice? (2021)

Research Brief: Observational measure of elder self-neglect: Development, testing and program outcomes

Webinar: What Is Elder Self-Neglect? (2015)

Research Brief: Self-neglect and Neglect of Vulnerable Older Adults: Reexamination of Etiology link (2012)

ABOUT NAPSA

The National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA) is a national non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization with members in all fifty states, D.C., and the territories. Formed in 1989, the goal of NAPSA is to provide Adult Protective Services (APS) programs a forum for sharing information, solving problems, and improving the quality of services for victims of elder and vulnerable adult mistreatment. Its mission is to strengthen the capacity of APS at the national, state, and local levels, to effectively and efficiently recognize, report, and respond to the needs of elders and adults with disabilities who are the victims of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, and to prevent such abuse whenever possible.

NAPSA OFFICES

NAPSA (National Adult Protective Services Association)

Address:
1612 K Street NW #200
Washington, DC 20006

Phone:
(202) 370-6292

Hours:
9am – 5pm EST