adult protective services

Indications

• physicians are obligated to report suspected elder abuse or neglect
  • should be done after fully exploring the situation & obtaining confirmatory information
  • signs of elder abuse
    • elder exploitation
    • elder neglect*
      • elder self neglect (Diogenes syndrome)
    • elder physical abuse
    • elder emotional abuse
    • elder sexual abuse

* pressure ulcers, poor hygiene, malnutrition, low serum albumin are signs of elder abuse or neglect

Notes

• can investigate source of elder exploitation
• can intervene to protect elder from further exploitation
• can assist with legal action to recover damages

• some states require reporting of elder exploitation