If an older adult or an adult with disabilities needs assistance, Adult Protective Services (APS) is a social services program put in place to serve their best interests. These agencies are in communities in every state, all over the nation.
The APS can intervene and investigate reported cases of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. To bring relief to the abused, the APS works with a host of other professionals, including:
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Firefighters
- Police
- Paramedics
- Lawyers
If you or a loved one encounters nursing home or elderly abuse in Western Tennessee, you can contact an APS office nearby to confidently and safely report the abuse or call a Memphis nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer to get help. An experienced attorney can be by your side as you seek reprieve from a terrible situation.
The History of Adult Protective Services
In 1960, the National Council on Aging released a study conducted by the newly formed Adult Protective Services. A year later, it was recommended by the White House Conference on Aging that legal, medical, and social agencies should work with each other in an effort to collectively protect the elderly.
It took 20 years, but by 1981, every state had a government office dedicated to the protection of America’s most vulnerable citizens. In accordance with the National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA), these offices are an arm of local and state governments.
Currently, the NAPSA ensures there are government-funded services to provide for elderly adults’ well-being.
Reporting Elder Abuse and Neglect to Adult Protective Services
Every state may have different requirements for reporting abuse to APS. Almost every state has specific professionals subject by law to mandatory reporting of any elderly abuse or neglect or even suspected mistreatment. In certain states, all citizens are required to report any suspicious behavior.
Voluntary reports are accepted in all states, and anonymous or good faith reports have legal protections. Phone calls are the way most incidents are reported. In some states, APS has online methods of reporting. The NAPSA provides a list of state reporting information and how to report.
When APS receives a report, the staff investigates the allegation to determine if it meets its defined criteria. APS evaluates every report of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of elderly adults or those unable to protect themselves because of physical or mental limitations. If the case does not fall under the authority of APS, they will refer it to the appropriate agencies.
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How Adult Protective Services Helps
Managed by state or local governments, APS is a social service entity dedicated to the protection of elderly and disabled adults. Their primary function is preventing or ending nursing home abuse and neglect and keeping the victims safe. They do this by investigating the issue, evaluating the risk factors, and designing prevention strategies to stop the occurrence of abuse and neglect.
According to reports from the United States Census Bureau, America’s fastest-growing demographic is seniors aged 60 and older. Many seniors do not have the option of aging in their own homes or with family. Nursing homes are meant to provide a safe and compassionate place for seniors and adults with mental or cognitive disabilities by providing:
- Quality medical attention
- Personal care
These critical facilities do not always provide the expected standard of care for patients and their families. The data shows that as the demand for nursing homes increases, the quality of the service decreases. The frequency of abuse and neglect incidents rises as nursing homes become understaffed and ill-equipped to deal with the volume.
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Nursing Home Abuse is a Global Problem
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) see abuse and neglect of the elderly as a significant global health issue. What is even more significant is that it is vastly underreported, with studies showing that as many as 50% of nursing home residents may have encountered abuse.
In many cases, nursing home residents cannot defend themselves or report these incidents because they have cognitive or physical disabilities. Their isolation may be compounded as they fear retribution or becoming a burden.
It is often in the best interest of victims and families to pursue justice and seek financial compensation to help mend the damage done by nursing home abuse. This abuse can impact a victim in a multitude of ways and result in varying damages, including:
- Physical injuries
- Psychological injuries
- Medical costs
- Recovery costs
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Identifying Elder Abuse
Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defined the most common types of reported elder abuse, including:
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Neglect, abandonment, and self-neglect
- Financial exploitation
Emotional and financial abuse can cause long-term harm to a victim’s psychological and economic well-being. But physical abuse and neglect can be especially dangerous, even life-threatening. Physical abuse accounts for the largest number of reported.
Neglect
Neglect or failure to provide for someone’s basic needs is also prevalent in abuse cases. Neglect may include:
- Failing to provide adequate nutrition
- Failing to provide a sanitary environment
- Failing to treat medical conditions
- Failing to administer medications
If any of these abuses are suspected, an individual or their family can reach out to APS, law enforcement, or an attorney to request assistance. In order to ensure a victim is being helped, APS professionals often coordinate with lawyers, police, medical providers, financial institutions, social services, and public health facilities.
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Contact a Memphis Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Attorney
Since 1970, the Memphis nursing home abuse & neglect attorneys at Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC have successfully represented thousands of clients, helping them recover the compensation they deserve. Nursing homes are responsible for taking care of communities that deserve respect. These communities are also the most vulnerable among us.
Nursing homes are a major business. For their services, they rake in millions in profits each year, all while promising to competently care for and personally look after these vulnerable communities. These providers often do not deliver on the promises they make, and the elderly or disabled adults suffer as a result.
If you need a nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer in Memphis, the skilled professionals at Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC are waiting to schedule a free consultation.