Adult Protective Services

Posted on

Sep 07, 2019

share-this
Share This
Adult Protective Services (APS) receives reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of at-risk adults, conducts an investigation into the allegations, and implements services to reduce and prevent further mistreatment.
Colorado operates as a stated supervised, county administered system. County APS programs provide for the safety and protection of at-risk adults who are or are suspected to be, victims of mistreatment.
At-risk adults are defined as persons age 18 or older who are susceptible to mistreatment or self-neglect because the adult is unable to perform or obtain services necessary for his or her health, safety, or welfare or because they lack sufficient understanding or to make or communicate responsible decisions concerning their person or affairs.
Certain professionals are required by law (mandatory reporters) to report physical abuse, sexual abuse, caretaker neglect and exploitation of at risk elders and at-risk adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. An at-risk elder is any person 70 years of age or older. An at-risk adult with IDD is a person who is eighteen years of age or older who has an onset of an intellectual and developmental disability before the person is 22 years old.
Mandatory reporters must make a report to local law enforcement within 24 hours of witnessing or becoming aware of the mistreatment. Failure to make a report or if you make a false report it is a class 3 misdemeanor. If charged and convicted you could receive a fine of up to $750, or six months in jail or both.
An at-risk adult has the right to refuse services and APS assistance when they appear capable of understanding the consequences of doing so, he or she cannot be forced to accept any services.
Byline: Editors Note: This article was submitted by Pueblo County APS, a division of Pueblo County Dept. of Human Services and may be reached at 719-583-6853

Other Articles You May Like

What is Ahead for Medicare in 2026

Medicare has been changing yearly and 2026 will be no exception. What is ahead for Medicare this fall and why?Carriers are still feeling the effects of the Inflation Reduction Act, which passed in 2022, but just took full effect in January of 2025. Beginning January 1, 2025, people with Part D plans through traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage, won't pay more than $2,000 over the calendar year in out-of-pocket costs for their prescription medications, the donut hole or coverage gap is eliminated and there is a new payment plan to spread drug costs through the year. Those changes came at a cost to other benefits. The Inflation Reduction Act significantly increased the carriers expenses and in response benefit cuts occurred for 2025 and will continue for 2026. Carriers had to absorb the steep cost increase for the mandatory prescription drug plan changes by balancing the budget, which included increases in beneficiaries copays, deductibles added to plans, the plan maximum out of pocket increased, non-medical benefits were reduced, a prescription drug deductible was added, and prescriptions were re-tiered or eliminated from the list of covered drugs. 2026 will see further adjustments as the carriers remove most benefits deemed non-medical. Seniors who have grown accustomed to benefits such as an over-the-counter allowance or food subsidy may see those benefits sharply reduced or eliminated this fall. Plans must be submitted to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for approval in early spring to be ready for the enrollment period in fall to be active for the following calendar year, so carriers have had little time to study the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on overall costs. Insurance moves slowly. The changes we are feeling in 2025 are the result of a bill passed in 2022 and will continue to affect plans in 2026. This fall will feel like a continuation of the benefit cuts seniors faced in the fall of 2024 as carriers work to balance the budget while considering the increased prescription costs and trying to maintain the plan benefits seniors rely on. For more information visit: aismedicareandmore.com Editors Note: This article was submitted by Jolynn Allen with AIS Medicare & More.  Jolynn is the owner of AIS Medicare & More and may be reached at:  719-404-3202

In-Home Supportive Services

In Colorado, In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) is a Medicaid-funded program designed to assist individuals with disabilities or elderly individuals who need help with daily activities. These services enable individuals to live independently in their own homes rather than in institutional settings. IHSS provides support with tasks like personal care, housekeeping, meal preparation, and medication management.Eligible participants must meet specific criteria, including being a Colorado resident, requiring assistance due to a disability, and meeting income and resource limits. Services are tailored to each individual's needs and are delivered by trained caregivers, who may be family members or professional aides.IHSS is an essential resource for people with disabilities or the elderly, enhancing their quality of life by promoting independence while providing necessary care. It also alleviates the financial burden of long-term institutional care, offering a more cost-effective and personalized solution for those in need. Editor's Note: This article was submitted by Amazing Care Home Health Services. For more information they may be reached at 303-755-3170.

A New Era of Compassionate Dementia Care in Southern Colorado

For 40 years, Sangre de Cristo Community Care has provided compassionate, expert support to patients and families facing chronic and serious illnesses. Now, we are proud to introduce our new Dementia Care Program, a groundbreaking initiative designed to enhance the quality of life for individuals living with dementia while providing much-needed support for their caregivers.This Medicare-approved program offers dedicated care navigators, 24/7 nurse support, caregiver training, and respite careall aimed at enabling individuals to remain in their homes and communities for as long as possible. With a mission deeply rooted in dignity and quality of life, our team ensures that both patients and caregivers receive personalized guidance and access to essential community resources.Available throughout Southern Colorado, this program is open to Medicare beneficiaries with a dementia diagnosis who are not in a nursing home or PACE program. Self-referrals and provider referrals are accepted.If you or a loved one could benefit from this program, please call 719-553-1919 to learn more. At Sangre de Cristo Community Care, we continue to expand our services with compassion, knowledge, and positivitybecause every moment matters.  Editors note: This article was submitted by Stephanie Ivankovich, Marketing Communications Manager for Sangre de Cristo Community Care, and many be reached at 719-542-0032 or by email at stephanie.ivankovich@sangre.org.