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I'm Worried About Myself or Another Vulnerable Adult. What Should I Do?

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Author: Emily Hardy

If you or someone else is being hurt, taken advantage of, or not getting the care they need, you don't have to figure this out alone. There are people whose job it is to help.

This page will help you understand your options and point you in the right direction. Whether you are a family member, friend, caregiver — or the person who needs help yourself — there are steps you can take.

Who is considered a “vulnerable adult”?

In Virginia, the law uses the term “vulnerable adult.” A vulnerable adult is:

  • An adult who is 60 years old or older, OR
  • An adult 18 or older who is incapacitated

The person must live in Virginia, or be here temporarily and need emergency help.

What counts as abuse, neglect, or exploitation?

Abuse means someone is physically, sexually, or emotionally hurting a vulnerable adult.

Neglect means the person is not getting food, medical care, shelter, or other basic things they need to stay healthy and safe. This can come from a caregiver or it can be self-neglect, when someone is not able to care for themselves.

Financial exploitation means someone is taking money or property from a vulnerable adult without permission, or tricking them into giving it up.

Read more on how to recognize abuse, neglect and exploitation from the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS). 

What is Adult Protective Services? 

Adult Protective Services (APS) is the state agency that investigates reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults.

APS is not an emergency service, but you can contact their hotline at the same time as emergency services: 888-832-3858.

Call APS when:

  • You suspect abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult
  • Someone is not getting the basic care they need
  • A caregiver is taking financial advantage of someone
  • You are not sure if there is an emergency, but you are concerned

What is the Long-Term Care Ombudsman?

If you or a loved one lives in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or receives long-term care at home, you have a free advocate available to you. That advocate is called the Long-Term Care Ombudsman.

The Ombudsman's job is to protect the rights and well-being of people in long-term care. Their services are free.

The Ombudsman can:

  • Investigate complaints
  • Help people understand their rights
  • Help resolve problems
  • Advocate for residents
  • Provide helpful information

For more on what they do, visit the Ombudsman’s website.

What is your situation right now? 

Choose the situation that fits you best: 

This is an emergency. Someone is in immediate danger.

If the person is hurt or needs emergency services right away, call 911.

If the situation involves a mental health crisis, call 988. 988 connects you to a trained crisis worker and may be a better fit.

You can also call the crisis line of your local Community Service Board (CSB). Find your local CSB using the CSB/BHA Directory from the Virginia Association of Community Services Boards (VACSB).

Be aware that sending police to someone's door can sometimes escalate a situation, so consider which service fits best.

Read more: How to Report Abuse or Neglect of a Vulnerable Adult in Virginia

I need services, not emergency help.

If you're looking for community resources, like food, housing, or home care, call 211 to find out what non-emergency services are available in your area.

I'm not sure if what I'm seeing is abuse or neglect.

You don't have to be certain to make a report. You just need a concern.

Read more on how to recognize abuse, neglect and exploitation from the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS).

I want to report abuse or neglect.

There are a few different ways to report. Learn who to call, how to report anonymously, and what protections you have as a reporter.

Read more: How to Report Abuse or Neglect of a Vulnerable Adult in Virginia

A caregiver is isolating or neglecting someone. 

Find out what options you have, including when legal steps may be needed.

Read: What can I do if a caregiver is isolating or neglecting a vulnerable adult?

My loved one is in a nursing home or assisted living facility.

Residents have legal rights. Learn what those rights are and what protections exist in different types of facilities.

Read: What are my rights in a nursing home or assisted living facility?

I need to file a complaint against a care facility.

Where you report depends on what type of facility it is. Learn how the process works for each.

Read: How do I file a complaint against a care facility?

I need someone to help me deal with a facility or care agency

A Long-Term Care Ombudsman is someone who can investigate complaints and help resolve problems with care facilities.

Read more about the Long-Term Care Ombudsman and how they can help

Important things to know

  • You can report on your own behalf. These resources are not just for family members. If you are a vulnerable adult who needs help, you can call APS or any of these resources yourself.
  • You can report anonymously. If you are worried about getting involved, Virginia law allows you to make an APS report without giving your name.
  • APS is not an emergency service. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or 988 first.
  • Adults have the right to refuse help, unless they lack the capacity to make decisions. APS and the Ombudsman program offer assistance, but a vulnerable adult with capacity can say no.

Where can I get legal help?