Adult Protective Services is an organization that is much like Child Protective Services. Child Protective Services was created in order to protect children under the age of 18 from abuse or neglect. Adult Protective Services was created in order to protect adults over the age of 65 from abuse and neglect. This does not mean that people consider older adults helpless or more like children. However, certain older adults may be more dependent on others and more vulnerable to abuse or neglect.

Neglect is the term that is used when an older adult is suffering by being ignored. He or she may not be getting enough food, water, or medication. She or he may not be getting personal needs taken care of, such as being bathed or being taken to the toilet. He or she may not be getting dressed appropriately for the weather or may not have good housing. Abuse is the term that is used when an adult is being hurt. Abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional or financial. Both abuse and neglect of older adults is much more common than many people suspect. Many times older people do not wish to report it because they are afraid of not being believed or being kicked out of a home or nursing facility with nowhere to go.

Anyone who suspects abuse or neglect of an older adult can report it. People who deal with older adults professionally are required to report suspected abuse or neglect to Adult Protective Services. This includes healthcare providers, social workers, law enforcement personnel, and many others. But anyone, including friends, family, and neighbors can report abuse or neglect.

If you want to make a report to Adult Protective Services look in the community services pages of your telephone book for a number. You may also be able to get the number from a United Way information and referral service, from the Child Protective Services, or from a hospital or police department. Don't let an older adult suffer when you can make a difference.

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