Orange County Insight May 2021

Adult Protective Services Month

By: Stephanie Straub, Assistant to the County Administrator and Public Information Officer During the month of May, the Orange County Department of Social Services is highlighting ways to detect and prevent adult abuse in all its forms. The adult population served through Adult Protective Services (APS) and Adult Services (AS) are aged 60 and over, as well as incapacitated persons ages 18 to 59 who have been abused, neglected, exploited, or are at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, without regard to income or resources. Common signs of abuse, neglect, and exploitation vary but can include: • Lacks needed aids in good repair such as dentures, glasses, hearing aids, or medications • Is restrained • Has fracture(s), discoloration(s), or sprain(s)

• Has burns, welts, bruises, cuts, scratches, or bedsores • Has an untreated medical condition or injury • Malnourished • No heat, running water, or electricity • Accumulation of debris • Inappropriate or inadequate clothing • Hazardous living conditions • Sudden change in will or power of attorney • Property or savings are mismanaged • Personal belongings missing • Unpaid bills • Severe anxiety, fearfulness, or depression • Unsanitary or unsafe housing • Individual is prohibited from being alone with visitors • Mistrust of others

Reports of self - neglect comprise a large portion of total reporting figures as outlined in the FY2020 statistics. If you notice someone who exhibits any of the above indicators, please contact the Orange County Department of Social Services Monday - Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at (540) 672 - 1155. Concerns can also be reported to the 24 - hour state hotline at (888) 832 - 3858. Reporters can remain anonymous and should not wait to know for certain if someone is experiencing abuse or neglect. If there are any indicators or suspicions of abuse or neglect, please call and allow our team of experts to assist.

For more information, please visit our website at http://orangecountyva.gov/391/Social - Services.

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