Points to Remember:

• When in doubt, report
  
• Have as much information as possible when you call Adult Protective Services
  
• The reporter’s name is never shared with the client or the client’s family
  
• The reporter will receive a letter or phone call to explain the results of the evaluation, if requested
  
• Anonymous reports are accepted but the reporter is then not able to have the results of the evaluation
  

The three criteria necessary for an Adult Protective Services referral to be accepted for evaluation are:

1. Allegations that the adult is disabled and incapacitated by that disability
   
2. That abuse, neglect or exploitation HAS ALREADY occurred and
   
3. The adult is in need of protection
   

If you have questions about a particular situation, always call and let the Department of Social Services make the decision as to whether the adult’s situation meets the criteria for an APS referral.

If the referral doesn’t meet Adult Protective Services requirement, APS may still:

• Refer the information to the District Attorney’s office
  
• Refer the information to the licensing agency (Department of Facility Services) if the individual lives in a facility
  
• Suggest other services that may assist the individual
  

The more information or observations you can share with the Department of Social Services, the better prepared the Adult Protective Services worker will be in conducting the evaluation. If you request, the agency will share the results of the evaluation but they will not share all of the details due to confidentiality.

To report abuse, neglect or exploitation:

1. Contact your local Adult Protective Services at the Department of Social Services
   
2. Explain that you are calling to report an incident of abuse
   
3. Answer all questions asked by the intake worker as thoroughly as possible
   
4. If you would like, ask for a follow up letter from the Department of Social Services
   

You may remain anonymous if you prefer

Or contact:
Alex Jernigan
Regional Ombudsman
High Country Area Agency on Aging
P.O. Box 1820
Boone, NC 28607
828-265-5434 Ext. 126
866-219-3643 (Toll Free)

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