HOULTON — The Houlton Rotary Club members recently learned about adult protective services by Estela Lane, casework supervisor from the Office of Aging and Disability Services/Maine Department of Health and Human Services.
Contributed photo/Michael Clark
GUEST SPEAKER — Estela Lane, left, casework supervisor for the Department of Health and Human Services, was a recent speaker at the Houlton Rotary. Lane spoke about adult protective services. With Lane is her Rotary sponsor for the day, Annie Torres Savage.
“Elder abuse is a dark mark on our humanity,” Lane said.
In 1981, the Maine State Legislature passed the Adult Protective Act which charged the DHHS to provide a program for investigating allegations of abuse, neglect and exploitation of Maine’s adult population that were vulnerable due to incapacity or dependency resulting from physical, mental, or intellectual disabilities.
Adult Protective Services responds to referrals made by members in our communities where there is a concern that an incapacitated, dependent or adult person with intellectual disability may be at risk of abuse, neglect or exploitation. Supervisors receive these referrals through the statewide Intake Unit (1-800-624-8404) and determine if they can respond and offer assistance to prevent further abuse.
“If the person has capacity (understands the consequences of their decisions) and refuses our assistance, we have a duty and responsibility to protect the person’s right to make bad choices,” Lane said.
The Office of Aging and Disability Services takes its responsibilities to elders and vulnerable adults seriously. About 70 percent of caregivers of elderly are family members who need support to continue to provide care for their loved one.
“Unfortunately some of those same family members are often the perpetrators of the allegations that we investigate,” she said.
Maine’s APS Intake unit takes approximately 5,500 reports of alleged abuse, neglect and exploitation annually. However, it is estimated that upwards of 84 percent of cases of abuse, neglect and exploitation of our elders go unreported.
“We work with other agencies and law enforcement to prevent further abuse, to support family members, and to provide safe and appropriate care for our elders so they may age in place in the least restrictive manner.
Those with concerns or questions, may call Intake Unit at 1-800-624-8404.
