Adult Protective Services/Elderly Protective Services
Who are we?
The Office of Aging and Adult Services - Adult Protective Services/Elderly Protective Services (APS/EPS) serves vulnerable adults ages 18 and over (and emancipated minors) who live in unlicensed and non-regulated settings, and also oversees the abuse policy in DHH administered facilities. Cases involving persons who live in licensed settings, such as a nursing home or group home, should be reported to the DHH Health Standards Section at 1-888-810-1819.
APS/EPS serves those adults who have a mental, developmental, or physical disability, persons with chronic disease, or frail elders, who have a limited ability to provide for their own care or protection.
APS/EPS is responsible for investigating reports and arranging for services to protect vulnerable adults/elders at risk of abuse, neglect, exploitation or extortion.
Hotline to report adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation:
1.800.898.4910 age 18-59
or
1.800.259.4990 age 60+
Know the Facts
Adults with disabilities of all ages are one of the most abused, neglected, and exploited populations in our nation. Over 6800 cases of abuse involving older and vulnerable adults are reported in Louisiana each year. According to research, this is estimated to be only a fraction of the thousands of cases that occur in our state. In addition, self-neglect is the most commonly reported form of elder abuse. Self-neglect is characterized as the failure of a person to perform essential, self-care tasks that could potentially threaten his/her own health or safety.
Know the Law
Louisiana Law (R.S. 14:403.2) requires the reporting of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults. Failure to report is a crime. The law grants immunity to any citizen who reports in good faith. The law also protects against retaliation.
Become aware
We must protect our elderly and vulnerable adults by learning to recognize the signs of abuse, neglect, and exploitation:
Call for help
The Office of Aging and Adult Services is here to help. Call 1.800.898.4910 (age 18 – 59) or 1.800.259.4990 (age 60+). For more information, see the additional resources below.
Additional Resources
