Adult Protective Services

The state agency that investigates suspected abuse, neglect or self-neglect of vulnerable adults. Involving them is not the same as removing someone from their home, which is the fear that usually stops families calling.

What kind of thing this is

Adult Protective Services is an organisation in this field. This definition comes from a primary government source. Where the wording matters we quote the standard rather than paraphrase it, because paraphrase is where precision leaks out.

Where you will meet it

Terms in this glossary turn up on quotes, insurance claims and state forms — usually at a moment when nobody has the patience to look them up.

Why the wording matters

This site defines terms in under forty words wherever it can, and attaches the practical consequence rather than leaving it implied. A definition that tells you what something is, without telling you what follows from it, is trivia at a moment when nobody has room for trivia.