A Rapid Response from APS and Care 7 Crisis of Tempe

You may know that Adult Protective Services (APS) investigates reports of abuse, neglect and exploitation. Have you ever wondered what happens after an investigation?

After investigators assess the adult victim’s circumstances, they coordinate a plan to ensure their safety during and after an investigation. Often, investigators partner with community assistance programs statewide that can respond in different ways to provide a full range of protections.

Recently, an APS team partnered with CARE 7, a program of the City of Tempe Community Health and Human Services Department, to help an older individual who was unsafe in her home settle into a community care facility.

When APS Investigator Denver met with the adult at the hospital, she informed Denver that she wished to leave her current residence and temporarily relocate to a skilled nursing facility. Based on the circumstances of the investigation, Denver determined a need for urgent protective services and assisted the adult with relocation.

However, the care facility was unable to have her moved in right away without the necessary medical equipment that was still at her previous residence, where she was unsafe.

Amid the crisis, Denver and his supervisor, Bill, coordinated with Care 7 Crisis Intervention Specialist Sean to obtain the equipment from the home and deliver it to the hospital so medical transport could be arranged for her transfer. “Getting the CPAP machine made it possible for her to go to a safe environment,” said Denver. “Tempe’s Care 7 team got her to a safe place in rapid time.”

Denver conducted a follow-up visit with the adult. “She is doing well and the person who was making the home unsafe is no longer a threat,” said Denver. She is living happily with her son and is feeling healthy now.

If you recognize signs of abuse, neglect or exploitation of a vulnerable adult, a report can be submitted online or over the phone. Visit the APS webpage to learn how.

“Collaborating with investigators has helped ensure the safety of vulnerable elders by facilitating timely interventions, assessing risk factors and coordinating resources to address situations like this," said Sean, CARE 7 Crisis Intervention Specialist.