Wednesday, March 17, 2010

NAPSA survey shows grim consequences of budget cuts for elder abuse prevention

In December 2008, the National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA) reported survey results indicating that the national economic crisis was having a negative impact on Adult Protective Services (APS). The survey revealed that state APS programs were experiencing budget reductions which led to cutbacks in service provision and the work force. Of the eighteen states participating in the 2008 survey, eight states reported that they expected to experience APS program budget cuts ranging from two to ten percent for the upcoming fiscal year. Unfortunately, a year later, the findings of a recently released NAPSA survey have reinforced the grim assessments of the 2008 report with evidence of more budget cuts and staff shortages along with an increased need for services.  This survey, conducted in November 2009, was sent to APS state administrators and the NAPSA board. Responses were received from thirty states. More than half of the respondents reported APS budget cuts averaging 13.5 percent for the year, which surpassed the predicted budget cuts of the earlier survey. At the same time, two-thirds of respondents said that abuse reports to APS increased by 24 percent. The corresponding increased need for services, along with the reduction of services, is obvious cause for concern and will likely have grave consequences for the most vulnerable adults.

Source:  NCEA E-News (March 2010)
Full story:  http://ncea.aoa.gov/NCEAroot/Main_Site/Resources/Newsletter/current_newsletter.pdf
 

I have recently been involved in a couple of cases that involved our local Adult Protective Services unit of the Henry-Martinsville Department of Social Services.  In one case, some neighbors may have noticed strange things going on but did not report them.  This case ultimately led to two deaths.  In the second case, attentive visitors reported strange goings on and the APS Unit was able to remove the elder from the environment, get her needed medical care and now she is in a safe long term care facility.

If you see changes in your elderly friends, pay attention!  If they become reclusive or  if they won't let you in the home that is a big warning sign!  If you notice weight loss, bruises or even unattended sores those are signs that should be reported to APS.  The reporting is kept anonymous and could possibly save a life!