Adult Protective Services and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

Abstract

Adult Protective Services (APS) and the Long-term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) are present in every American community to respond to allegations or complaints related to elder abuse, neglect and exploitation. Yet, the two programs have very different and distinct purposes, roles, and structures. For the most part they can collaborate and complement each other. But in some circumstances they can be at odds with each other. APS is the single, dedicated authorized victim service system for elder and vulnerable adult abuse victims who live in community settings (in about half the states, APS also investigates abuse in facility settings). The LTCOP provides long-term care residents with an independent advocate to help them resolve complaints, protect their rights, and seek policy changes to improve systemic problems. This chapter details APS and LTCOP structure and functions, their similarities and differences, and the key issues, recent developments and future directions facing both programs.