What is considered elder abuse in Indiana?
What is considered elder abuse in Indiana?
Elder abuse generally refers to any intentional exploitation by a caregiver that harms a vulnerable adult. The abuse can take many forms but can be physical, sexual, psychological or exploitative in nature. Neglect — both intentional and unintentional — can also be considered a type of elder abuse.
Who is required to report elder abuse in Indiana?
How to file a report. Indiana is a mandatory report state, meaning everyone is required by law to report cases of suspected neglect, battery or exploitation of an endangered adult to an APS unit or law enforcement.
What is reportable APS?
County APS agencies investigate reports of abuse of elders and dependent adults who live in private homes, apartments, hotels or hospitals . …
What does APS look for?
WHAT DOES APS DO? Receives reports of alleged abuse, neglect, self-neglect or financial exploitation and determines if the client is eligible. Investigates the allegations through interviewing the client, collateral contacts, alleged abuser(s) and through examining evidence such as medical and bank records.
How do you prove elderly abuse?
Signs of physical abuse include:
- pain or restricted movement.
- bruises, bite marks, cuts, burns, scratches.
- unexplained accidents.
- unexplained injuries such as broken bones, sprains, punctures.
- over or under-use of sedation.
- fear or anxiety.
- stories about injuries that conflict between the older person and others.
Is a person who reports abuse in Indiana immune from civil or criminal liability?
A person who makes a report of child abuse or neglect is immune from any civil or criminal liability that might otherwise be imposed because of such actions. Ind. Code § 31-33-6-1. However, a person who knowingly fails to make a report of child abuse or neglect commits a Class B misdemeanor.
What happens in an APS investigation?
How does APS investigate? An APS investigator will make an unannounced home visit. They will interview you, the alleged vulnerable adult, the person who made the allegation, and other witnesses. They may take photos and review records, including bank and other financial documents.
What does Adult Protective Services do in Indiana?
Adult Protective Services investigates reports of “endangered adults” and may take legal action to protect incapacitated adults harmed or threatened with harm as a result of neglect (including self-neglect), battery or exploitation.
What do you need to know about Adult Protective Services?
Fear, withdrawal, non-responsive, hesitation to talk openly, helplessness, depression, agitation, anxiety, and anger. Adult Protective Services will investigate all calls made and protect those who are determined to be endangered.
How to report an endangered person in Indiana?
Describe how the alleged endangered person is incapacitated (Physical or mental impairment). Describe how the alleged endangered person is being threatened with or being abused, neglected, and/or exploited. Describe any injuries, illness or other medical conditions resulting from abuse or neglect.
How old do you have to be to be an adult in Indiana?
APS investigates reports of Adult endangerment which is defined by Indiana code. An adult may be endangered if he/she is: 18 years of age or older and unable to protect themselves due to being mentally or physically disabled, or frail elderly, from being battered, neglected, exploited, or self-neglected.