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Help Protect People Who Are Frail Or Vulnerable Vulnerable Adults Need Your Help You notice that your elderly friend Gladys no longer has money for personal things. Her daughter has taken control of her check book, and Gladys doesn't know what happens to her Social Security check You come to visit your dad, and you notice that there's no food in the house he's unkept, and you're worried that he's not taking his medications.
What should you do?
You need to report these types of cases so that these vulnerable adults can get the protection and safety they need. Vulnerable adults have an impaired ability to provide for their own needs and protect themselves from harm. The law can protect and assist them. Many vulnerable adults are reluctant to report, and when asked about it directly they may even deny that harm occurred. That's why it's so important for family members, friends, physicians, social workers, and others to be aware of abuse, neglect, and exploitation and report if you suspect something is going on. If you are a mandated reported under the law, you MUST report suspected harm. Who is at risk?
People who depend on others for care or assistance in daily living have a higher ris of being harmed. Some people have a higher risk of harm by simply being elderly, frail or disabled. Harm can occur anywhere by any one.
Abuse, neglect and exploitation can occur anywhere, from a person's own home to a nursing home, from an assited living facility to an adult day program. Abusers include spouses, children, staff as well as "self". Vulnerable adults may no longer be able to cre for themselves, and so are in danger of "self-neglect". By calling the Common Entry Point, you can help the vulnerable person get much needed assistance. What are the waring signs of abuse? The person may say that he/she is being harmed or is afraid of someone Bruises and skin tears Black eyes Broken bones Burns or cuts Internal injuries Infections Changes in mental functioning or behavior (such as increased agitation, combativeness, depression or confusion) Injuries that are unexplained or are not consistent with the explanation given
What are the warning signs of neglect? - Dehydration, weight loss, and malnutrition
- Pressure sores, poor hygiene
- Depression, confusion, or other changes in mental functioning
- Absence of needed medical equipment or prostheses
- Repeated falls
- Incontinence, isolation
What are the warning signs of financial exploitation? - The person may say something like, "I don't know wnything about it, my son/daughter/friend handles all my business"
- Bills go unpaid
- The person does not have access to his/her own money
- The person is asked to sign documents but does now know what they are
- Changes are made in the will
- Assets are transferred or sold
- The person is taken to the bank to make account withdrawals
- Personal property, like cash, checks, credit cards, jewelry, furniture, etc, is missing.
For more information about the law, reporting maltreatment of a vulnerable adult, or Adult Protection Services, please call your local county social services agency or the Minnesota Department of Human Services Adult Services Unit, 651-296-5563 or 651-297-3984. Call to report abuse, neglect or exploitation of a vulnerable person.
If there is immediate danger to the vulnerable adult, call 911 immediately. If you suspect abuse, neglect or financial exploitation, you should call your county's designated "Common Entry Point". The Common Entry Point receives all reports of known or suspected maltreatment and works with appropriate authorities. The phone line is available 24 hours a day - 7 days a week, so reports can be taken immediately. To find your county's Common Entry Point, please call: Senior LinkAge Line at 1-888-333-2433. Other important numbers to know: - Immediate or serious danger call 911.
- The State Office of Ombudsman for Older Minnesotans: 651-296-0382 or toll free at: 1-800-657-3591
- Advocacy Center for Long-Term Care: 952-854-7304
- Senior LinkAge Line: 1-800-333-2433
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