Adult Protective Services

Adult Protective Services programs provide for the safety and protection of vulnerable adults that are, or are suspected to be, victims of abuse, neglect, self-neglect or exploitation by:

• Receiving reports of abuse, neglect, self-neglect or exploitation;
• Investigating allegations and conducting an assessment; and
• Offering referral to and arranging for provision of emergency or supportive services to reduce or eliminate risk of harm.

Abuse means the intentional or negligent infliction of physical pain, injury or mental injury.

Neglect means failure of a caretaker to provide food, clothing, shelter or medical care reasonably necessary to sustain the life and health of a vulnerable adult, or the failure of a vulnerable adult to provide those services for themselves.

Exploitation means an action which may include, but is not limited to, the unjust or improper use of a vulnerable adult’s financial power of attorney, funds, property, or resources by another person for profit or advantage.

Vulnerable Adult is a person 18 years or older who is unable to protect himself from abuse, neglect or exploitation due to physical or mental impairment which affects the person’s judgment or behavior to the extent that he lacks sufficient understanding or capacity to make or communicate or implement decisions regarding his person.

Online reporting is ONLY available to those who are mandated by state law to report abuse, neglect, self-neglect or exploitation of vulnerable adults per Idaho Code 39-5303 and financial institutions. All other reporters must call the local Area Agency on Aging during normal business hours to make a report.

Ombudsman

The Ombudsman Program protects the health, safety, welfare, and rights of long-term care residents 60 years or older.

The Ombudsman investigates complaints made by or on behalf of residents. Services can include but are not limited to assistance with the following:

Resident care:

• Rehabilitation or Maintenance of function
• Restraints

Quality of Life:

• Activities
• Dietary issues
• Environmental issues

Administration:

• Policies, Procedures, Attitudes, Resources
• Staffing

Problems with outside agencies, systems or people:

• Certification and licensing agency
• State Medicaid Agency
• Other systems
• Complaints other than nursing home or assisted living settings

Legal Services

The Area Agency on Aging contracts with Idaho Legal Aid to give legal advice, counseling, or representation by an attorney (or other person acting under the supervision of an attorney) to older individuals with economic or social needs.  Idaho Legal Aid can help with several legal concerns, including:

• Advanced Directives
• Living Wills
• Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care
• Estate Recovery
• Federal Spousal Impoverishment
• If you have questions about these issues or other legal concerns, please contact us or the Senior Legal Hotline at 1-866-345-0106

Generally, people receiving income-based public benefits such as AFDC, SSI and Food Stamps may qualify for legal assistance from Legal Aid.

However, Federal law prevents Legal Aid from representing anyone in criminal cases, including DUI cases and minor traffic violations.

If Legal Aid cannot take your case, they may be able to refer you to a private attorney for a free one-half hour consultation and the private attorney may charge you a reduced fee.

If you have any questions about whether or not Legal Aid can help you with your legal concerns, contact Legal Aid at 1-208-345-0106 or visit the website https://www.idaholegalaid.org/ .