If I report self-neglect of an elderly person, will the Adult Protective Services worker place them in a nursing home?
Not always. The responsibility Adult Protective Services (APS) has is to investigate all reports of Abuse, Neglect, Self-Neglect and/or Exploitation. The APS staff is to provide the resources to make the current environment as safe as possible and assist in keeping these individuals in their home for as long as possible. Most individuals who are Self-Neglecting can be easily helped through community resources. If community resources are not available or if the elderly person is physically or mentally unable to benefit by the available resources, then placement into a relative's care, an assisted living facility or a nursing home may be the only way to keep the person safe.