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Montgomery County Maryland
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SENIOR SERVICES

ABUSE, NEGLECT OR FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION

Reporting for Vulnerable Adults Living in the Community or in Assisted Living Homes / Facilities:

Hands holding a cane

 

To report the abuse, neglect, self-neglect or the financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult call 240-777-3000 (24 Hour Service).

 

A vulnerable adult is an individual age 18 and over who lacks the physical and/or mental capacity to provide for their daily needs and is at-risk in the community

 

You will speak with an intake screener about your concern that a vulnerable adult is being mistreated.  Your report is confidential and can be made anonymously.  Any person who in good faith makes a report is immune from any civil liability.

 

Health practitioners, police officers, and human services workers are required to notify Adult Protective Services if they have reason to believe that a vulnerable adult has been subjected to abuse, neglect, self-neglect or financial exploitation.

Reporting for Nursing Home Residents:

To report abuse of a nursing home resident call the Police Department at 301-279-8000 (24-Hour Service), the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene/Office of Health Care Quality at 1-877-402-8219 or the Long-Term Care Ombudsman at  240-777-3369 (Monday-Friday - 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)

 

To report the financial exploitation of a nursing home resident call Adult Protective Services at 240-777-3000 (24-Hour Service).

Reporting for Adults with a Developmental Disability Residing in a Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) Funded Program:

To report psychological/physical, sexual abuse, seclusion and/or unauthorized/inappropriate use of restraints, violation of civil rights, inhumane treatment call the Office of Health Care Quality 410-402-8100.

Definitions:

Abuse: The sustaining of any physical injury by a vulnerable adult as a result of cruel or inhumane treatment or a result of a malicious act.

 

Neglect: The willful deprivation of adequate food, clothing, essential medical treatment, shelter or supervision of a vulnerable adult. 

 

Self-Neglect: The inability of a vulnerable adult to provide services that are necessary for their physical and mental health; the absence of which impairs or threatens their well being.

 

Exploitation: Any action which involves the misuse of a vulnerable adult’s funds, property or person.

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Last edited: 7/8/2008