A vulnerable adult is defined in MCA 52-3-803 as a person who is:

• 60 years of age or older, or
• 18 years of age or older and
  • has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits or restricts the person's ability to provide for their own care or protection; or
  • has a developmental disability as defined in MCA 52-20-102.

To make a report, contact APS online, or call 1-844-277-9300.

Abuse is a threat to a person's health or safety caused by another person. Abuse can be physical, emotional, or sexual

• Physical abuse involves causing pain or injury to a person.
• Emotional abuse includes yelling at or threatening someone. It can also involve harassing or intimidating a person to force them to do something they have the right not to do, or preventing them from doing something they have the right to do.
• Sexual abuse involves any unwanted sexual comments or actions. It can also include making sexual comments or engaging in sexual behavior toward a person who cannot understand what is happening.
• Neglect is the failure to provide the appropriate care or services needed to maintain a vulnerable adult's health and safety.
• Exploitation is the misuse or improper handling of a vulnerable adult's funds, property, or other resources.

Does a vulnerable adult you know display any warning signs of mistreatment?

Neglect

• Lack of basic hygiene
• Lack of adequate food
• Lack of medical aids (glasses, walker, teeth, hearing aid, medications)
• Lack of clean appropriate clothing
• Person with dementia left unsupervised
• Bed bound person left without care
• Home cluttered, filthy, in disrepair, or having fire & safety hazards
• Home without adequate facilities (stove, refrigerator, heat, cooling, working plumbing, and electricity)
• Untreated pressure "bed" sores

Financial Abuse

• Lack of amenities victim could afford
• Elder "voluntarily" giving inappropriate financial reimbursement for needed care and companionship
• Caregiver has control of elder’s money but is failing to provide for elder’s needs
• Caretaker "living off" elder
• Elder has signed property transfers (Power of Attorney, new will, etc.) when unable to comprehend the transaction

Psychological Abuse

• Caregiver isolates elder (doesn’t let anyone into the home or speak to the elder)
• Caregiver is verbally aggressive or demeaning, controlling, overly concerned about spending money, or uncaring

Physical Abuse

• Inadequately explained fractures, bruises, welts, cuts, sores or burns

In addition to doing an investigation, APS investigators work with your community partners who may help those experiencing or at risk of adult maltreatment by referring for services aimed to reduce their risk, such as:

• housing or shelter needs, home repairs
• food, transportation or help with utilities
• managing money or legal help
• medical care, home healthcare or mental health services
  (Note: services and assistance vary for each community)

The person being abused has the right to accept or decline services. Any or all services and help may be refused. If you are being abused, it's your right to decide what is right for you. If the court has determined someone else is making decisions for you, that person can accept or refuse services for you.

The Adult Protective Services (APS) program is based on this value. No decision is made without your involvement and consent. Every effort is made to keep you in your home.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

If the concern is not life threatening, you can contact APS online, or call 1-844-277-9300 to make a report. Refer to the APS office directory to find your area office. (Note: Offices are only available during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m to 5 p.m., except on holidays. For all emergencies, call 911.)

Information you should provide when making a report to APS:

• give your name, address, telephone number, sex, age and general condition
• the name, sex, age, relationship to you of the suspected abuser
• why you believe you are being harmed — be as detailed as you can
• the best time to contact you if a personal visit is needed
• is there is any danger to the worker going out to investigate
• the names of others with information about the situation
• any other information that will help APS resolve the concern

If someone is being harmed right now, call 911.

If the concern is not life threatening, you can contact APS online, or call 1-844-277-9300 to make a report or to find your area APS office. (Note: These offices are only available during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, except on holidays. For all emergencies, call 911.)

As a reporter, once you are sure the vulnerable adult is safe, you should be prepared to answer the following questions to the best of your ability:

• the name, address, telephone number, sex, age and general condition of the person being abused
• the name, sex, age, relationship to victim of the person who you suspect is abusing them
• the situations that lead you to believe the person is being harmed – be as detailed as possible
• the best time to contact the person
• if the person knows the abuse is being reported and whether the person could make the report themselves
  • Note: the person being abused has the right to refuse any or all help offered unless a court has given authority to someone else
• if there is any danger to the worker going out to investigate
• your name, telephone number and profession - you can ask that this be kept private
• the names and phone numbers of others with information about the situation
• are you willing to be contacted again
• any other information that will help APS resolve the concern

Confidentiality
All reports and records of the Adult Protective Services Program are strictly confidential, except as provided by law or a court order.

Helping the Vulnerable Adult - vulnerable adults should be made aware of the following:

• Assault is a crime
• Abuse will likely increase if no one seeks help
• A safety plan is needed to get away from the abuser
• The abuser is responsible for the violence, not the victim
• Vulnerable adults have the right to an Order of Protection against their abusers in criminal or family court

Suspicious Banking Activities

The following should be watched for as signs of financial exploitation

• Unusual volume of banking activity
• Banking activity inconsistent with usual habits
• Suspicious signatures on checks or other financial documents
• Sudden increases in debt the vulnerable adult appears unaware of
• Funds withdrawn by a care giver or person with no apparent benefit to the vulnerable adult
• Bank statements and cancelled checks no longer sent to the vulnerable adult's home

Steps To Prevent & Intervene

• Speak privately with person if you notice suspicious transactions
• If necessary, ask the person to speak with the police
• Save any photographic evidence for law enforcement
• Notify security and/or law enforcement immediately if the vulnerable adult appears to be in danger
• If the person appears to be confused, increasingly frail, or neglected, notify Protective Services for Adults, Office for the Aging, or other abuse prevention programs