Self-Neglect Is Primary Reason For More Than Half of Referrals To Adult Protective Services

More than half of maltreatment referrals to state Adult Protective Services (APS) were for alleged self-neglect during federal fiscal year 2021. Multiple types of abuse and neglect among vulnerable adults can be lodged in a single report. Of the APS reports filed in 2021, 24% alleged neglect of a vulnerable adult by a caregiver and 24% alleged exploitation of a vulnerable adult. Nearly 13% alleged physical abuse, and 1.5% alleged sexual abuse. The prevalence of self-neglect suggests that at-risk adults are not adequately accessing or being connected to needed services to support family, social, and community . . .