Signs and Symptoms
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Neglect
Dehydration, malnutrition,untreated bed sores, and poor personal hygiene; Unattended or untreated health problems; Hazardous or unsafe living condition/arrangements (e.g., improper wiring, no heat, or no running water); Unsanitary and unclean living conditions (e.g. dirt, fleas, lice on person, soiled bedding, fecal/urine smell, inadequate clothing); An elder's report of being mistreated. Self Neglect includes the above mentioned signs as well as; Inappropriate and/or inadequate clothing; Lack of the necessary medical aids (e.g., eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures); Grossly inadequate housing or homelessness. Financial Abuse
Sudden changes in bank account or banking practice, including an unexplained withdrawal of large sums of money by a person accompanying the elder; Inclusion of additional names on an elder's bank signature card; Unauthorized withdrawal of the elder's funds using the elder's ATM card; Abrupt changes in a will or other financial documents; Unexplained disappearance of funds or valuable possessions; Substandard care being provided or bills unpaid despite the availability of adequate financial resources; Discovery of an elder's signature being forged for financial transactions or for the titles of his/her possessions; Sudden appearance of previously uninvolved relatives claiming their rights to an elder's affairs and possessions; Unexplained sudden transfer of assets to a family member or someone outside the family; The provision of services that are not necessary; and An elder's report of financial exploitation. |
Emotional or Psychological Abuse
Being emotionally upset or agitated; Being extremely withdrawn and non communicative or non responsive; Unusual behavior usually attributed to dementia (e.g., sucking, biting, rocking); An elder's report of being verbally or emotionally mistreated. Sexual Abuse
Bruises around the breasts or genital area; Unexplained venereal disease or genital infections; Unexplained vaginal or anal bleeding; Torn, stained, or bloody underclothing; and An elder's report of being sexually assaulted or raped. Physical Abuse Bruises, black eyes, welts, lacerations, and rope marks; Bone fractures, broken bones, and skull fractures; Open wounds, cuts, punctures, untreated injuries in various stages of healing; Sprains, dislocations, and internal injuries/bleeding; Broken eyeglasses/frames, physical signs of being subjected to punishment, and signs of being restrained; Laboratory findings of medication overdose or under utilization of prescribed drugs; Elder's report of being hit, slapped, kicked, or mistreated; Elder's sudden change in behavior; and Caregiver's refusal to allow visitors to see an elder alone. May include: striking, beating, pushing, shoving, shaking, slapping, kicking, pinching, and burning; Inappropriate use of drugs and physical restraints; Force-feeding; and Physical punishment of any kind also are examples of physical abuse. |
What APS Can DoNotify law enforcement
Request a 5150 File an incident report of a crime Suggest, persuade, and bargain with the victim to get help Arrange for Case Management Assess needs and link to services Assist victims and their families in developing individual care plans Recommend conservatorship APS cannot enter the victim’s home without permission;
Remove a person from their residence against their will; or Force a client to accept services. APS clients are, by definition, independent. They have the right to self determination even if their choices do not serve their best interest. |
Local Resource
Unit 7 consists of Clay, Parke, Putnam, Sullivan, Vermillion, and Vigo Counties. Unit 7 Adult Protective Services is a separate agency from the Vigo County Crime Victim Assistance Program, however each office is located on the 1st floor of the courthouse. Vigo County Courthouse 33 S. Third Street Terre Haute, IN 47807 To report elder abuse or neglect call: 812-462-3286 | ||
National Resources
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