Elder abuse and dementia resources in NYC metro area

January 13, 2016 1:28 PM

There appear to be numerous governmental and private resources to consider as we start dealing with an elder abuse situation. Do you have region-specific experience or recommendations?

My mother-in-law's sister in Westchester County is subject to increasingly difficult treatment by her husband, who is in his 80s and appears to have progressing symptoms of dementia. MIL reports that he has made paranoid accusations, berated, and hit her. As a mandatory reporter (in my own state not NY)—and cognizant of the dynamics of abuse—I know it's time for us to take some action. I don't believe she has reached out for help of any kind.

So the question on the table is where is the best place to start? A governmental agency such as Westchester County's social services department might be best from a mandatory reporting standpoint, but I'm not positive that's the ideal first point of contact. (Nor is it clear to me at this point that the situation falls within my own mandatory reporting obligation.)

Have you dealt with a support organization you feel did a good job helping you negotiate your entry into the social work system in this region?

posted by maniabug to Law & Government (2 answers total)

Best answer: I believe that NY has an agency called adult protective services. They will do an in home assessment of the situation and proceeded with next steps. If possible she can take him to an emergency room for evaluation of dementia if she is no longer able to take care of him. They will admit for an evaluation for placement. (they may give her a hard time, but they will).
posted by AlexiaSky at 2:55 PM on January 13, 2016

Response by poster: AlexiaSky, I'll definitely talk to NY PSA. Thanks!
posted by maniabug at 11:09 AM on January 15, 2016