Comments on: Top 5 Myths about Elder Mistreatment

By: Elaine Chen

Elaine Chen — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 19:20:33 +0000

It’s true that even after abuse is reported, the desired outcome doesn’t always happen. But that doesn’t mean we should eliminate the chance for APS to work on a case. From observing the work of APS workers at the Orange County Elder Abuse Forensic Center, I can say that in some cases they accomplish amazing outcomes that help preserve the client’s safety and quality of life.

National Adult Protective Services Association states that the capabilities of APS Programs vary widely among the states, but generally they are underfunded, understaffed, and undertrained (APS: Invisible Clients, Invisible Services). This needs to be addressed from a policy perspective, and advocates have been working on this for decades. Advocates are now contacting members of Congress asking them to fund the Elder Justice Act, so that APS Programs can demonstrate what they can do with dedicated federal support.

Clinicians can help by working with APS and other service providers in the ways described above. By reporting, you add to what’s known about the scope of the problem of elder mistreatment, and you give APS the opportunity to further investigate and take action.

By: Solomon Liao

Solomon Liao — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 16:34:13 +0000

I certainly understand what Dr. Richardson experienced and appreciate his sharing. I’ve had similar experiences. Unfortunately APS cannot always solve all problems any more than we can. However, their inability to solve all problems should not deter us from reporting. If we don’t report, then APS will not be able to make any difference, however small or large. We’ve had cases where we have had to file a dozen or more reports on the same patient before APS was able to take action. In these cases APS needed to accumulate the evidence before stronger action could be taken. Sometimes APS has to wait till the situation deteriorates to a critical point.

APS is required by law to act on all reports. However, they are also required to keep their actions confidential. So clinicians may not be aware of the actions they take. Their actions may also be limited by their lack of access to medical information or clinical expertise. As clinicians, we can best help to resolve or reduce both of these barriers by actively communicating with APS and offering our assistance. I’ve found joint home visits to be particularly useful. Thanks for sharing.

By: James P. Richardson, MD, MPH

James P. Richardson, MD, MPH — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 14:46:16 +0000

While I agree with the author, sadly enough agencies don’t always act on reports. One of my patients was bilked out of thousands of dollars by a caregiver and the local Adult Protective Service office failed to take any action, even after I complained to a supervisor.