APS means Adult Protective Service. As a Registered Nurse you have the obligation to report elder abuse. As we age ,there are fragile elders that have so many impairment such as :
cognitive impairment,
frailty,
risk for falls,
and visual impairment.
So in the field of aging there are subspecialty that deal with frail endangered elderly.
These frail elders most often have so many health problems and one agency cannot take care of all of their needs such as :
medical insurance,
doctors appointments,
social workers,
lawyers,
clergymen,
family members,
discharge planners,
community health nurse,
and clinical nurses.
They need more than one service.
Adult Protective Services evaluate for elderly abuse,arrange for Services such as advocacy, money management, counseling,or conservatorship if family members have denied their love one and refused to provide adequate support. For example an elderly severely dementia patient that was refused by family members will need placement under conservatorship.
The County or the State usually will investigate an elder Adult abuse ,advocate and conservatorship recommended after all information and investigation has been put together and a plan formulated for placement under conservatorship.
Nurses You Move Me 