In a situation of imminent, life-threatening harm, seek assistance from law enforcement by calling 911 immediately.  In addition, local law enforcement officers can also visit an older adult in their home for a "wellness check" in cases in which the individual has stopped responding or deviated from regular plans in a concerning way.  Law enforcement works in close partnership with APS and will make a report to the state's team when warranted.

It's not uncommon for someone experiencing EA to ask you not to share anything about your conversation with others.  It's important to respect these wishes and for the older adult to be a part of any decision to report to the extent that they are able.  For many individuals involved in the helping professions, however, reporting suspected EA is a mandatory obligation - if you're uncertain about whether this applies to you or not, check the list of people who are mandated reporters in Maine.  In the interest of transparency and fostering a sense of control for the person experiencing EA, it is best to start out any conversation about their situation by disclosing this obligation.

If you feel that a report to APS is necessary, it's best to be forthright with the older adult about your decision and reinforce the role that APS workers play as advocates and allies in helping an individual live the life that they want to live, with dignity, independence, and freedom from harm.

You'll be asked to provide information about yourself, if you choose - it is possible to make a report anonymously, both by phone and online.  Questions you'll be asked include your name, your contact information (phone, email, and physical address), your agency or professional affiliation (if applicable), and your relationship to the person about whom you are reporting concerns.

You'll be asked a number of questions about the person who you suspect is experiencing harm, including:

• The name, date of birth (or approximate age), and contact details for the older adult

• Details about the individual's current living situation, including whether the person you believe is causing harm has access to the them

• Information about the guardian that has been appointed for the older person, if applicable

• A description of the alleged abuse, its frequency, and dates of occurrence

• Background on how you became aware of this situation

• Information about any other agencies that you've contacted about the situation (e.g., law enforcement)

You'll be asked to provide some information about the person alleged to be causing harm, including:

• The name, date of birth (or approximate age), relationship to the older adult, and contact details for this individual

• A physical description of the individual

Finally, you'll be asked to provide any additional information that is relevant to the situation, including:

• The names and contact information for other people who may have additional knowledge of the situation

• Any additional concerns about the older adult's living situation, such as dangerous home structure or infestations; criminal activity, illegal drug use, or weapons in the home; people in the home with untreated mental illness; and any threats of violence

When APS receives a report of potential EA, a trained professional evaluates the information provided to determine if it meets the State of Maine's criteria for APS services.  If the situation meets the criteria for abuse, neglect, or exploitation, an APS worker will meet with the adult needing assistance to get a more comprehensive picture of the reported concerns.-  APS will not disclose to the older adult any detals about who made the report to them, but again, it's best to have a conversation with the person about your concerns and intentions before making the call to APS.

The National Center on Elder Abuse provides a helpful flowchart that outlines the various steps involved in an APS investigation.

Sometimes, a report is made to APS and it appears that no changes occurred for the reported adult, which can be frustrating for concerned others.  But there are reasons why this happens.  In each case, APS must balance the duty to protect the well-being of the older adult with that person's right to self-determination.  Every adult that has cognitive capacity has the right to determine their values, principles, and way of life.  Unless an individual is determined - through legal proceedings - to lack capacity to make decisions about their living situation and safety, APS must respect the older adult's choices...even if those choices put them at risk of further harm.

In addition, due to confidentiality laws, you may not receive any information about the status or outcome of the investigation.

After an initial report is made, concerned others should re-report substantial negative changes to an older adult's situation to ensure that APS is aware of harmful or adverse changes in the individual's circumstances.

The National Adult Protective Services Association provides a helpful overview that helps reporters understand the process of - and limitations to - the APS assessment and response to alleged EA.