What can I do if I suspect someone is being or has been neglected or abused? Call the local law enforcement and in a medical emergency call 911. In addition, you can also reach out to Adult Protective Services (APS) at (800) 564-1612.
It is essential to report neglect and abuse to the appropriate authorities. Neglect and abuse require immediate intervention. In addition to a verbal report to law enforcement, follow the link below to follow-up online.
How do I know if it’s abuse?
Here are some types and signs of abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation and theft:
Abuse includes Physical abuse:
- Excessive force in treatment or therapy;
- Unnecessary contact or nonconsensual sexual contact by a care provider;
- Hitting, shoving, shaking;
- Use of physical restraints or chemical restraints;
- Drug theft (also known as drug diversion) depriving patient of medicine by converting it for caregiver’s use.
Emotional abuse:
- Intimidation by yelling, humiliation, habitual blaming, harsh treatment Ignoring patient’s needs, isolation from friends or family, scaring patient.
Neglect includes deprivation or excessive delay by a care provider of food, water, medication, medical services, shelter, clothing, heat or cooling.
Financial exploitation is the misappropriation of someone else’s property or identity, in this case a vulnerable adult receiving care under the Medicaid program. It may include falsifying claims or using access to a patient’s personal accounts to divert funds to the care provider.
Click here to Report Medicaid Fraud or Residential Abuse
Or email us at ago.mfraureport@vermont.gov
or call us at (802) 828-5511