Miscellaneous

Introduction: Conducting an Investigation of Alleged Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation Why Investigate? It’s the law! Upon receiving a report of alleged abuse, neglect or exploitation of an incapacitated adult pursuant to the provisions of (this) Act, the Department of Human Services shall make a prompt and thorough investigation. (Title 43A, section 10-105, A.) Key words: […]

Undue Influence Bennett Blum, M.D. “Undue influence” refers to the form of manipulation and control of another’s behavior. Being a legal term, it has no unique medical definition, however the fields of psychiatry, psychology, and sociology have all studied in the phenomenon, and have developed several approaches to understanding it. These approaches define the situations […]

Mental Capacity – The 12 Categories Express Desires Understand Pertinent Issues Learn New Information Focus on Relevant Information Remember the Information Know the Pertinent Parties and Their Responsibilities Know the Major Options Know the Likely Consequences for Each Option Reason About the Options and Consequences Using Abstract Concepts Thinking Strategically No Delusions Make the Decisions […]

Mental Capacity Assessment Bennett Blum, M.D. “Mental capacity assessment” refers to the analysis of a person’s cognitive and emotional status as it relates to specific observable or legal behaviors. Three approaches to assessing mental capacity are used (singly or in combination) throughout the country. The three approaches are: Behavioral (or “Functional”) Medical Philosophical The behavioral […]

Interviewing the Elderly – Factors to Consider Bennett Blum, M.D. The following is a list of situational and interviewer characteristics that have been shown to improve the quality of interviews with the elderly. This is not an exhaustive list. Please feel free to contact me if any items are unclear, or if you have questions. […]

APS Systemic Investigations Introduction: Conducting an Investigation of Alleged Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation Why Investigate? It’s the law! Upon receiving a report of alleged abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an incapacitated adult pursuant to the provisions of (this) Act, the Department of Human Services shall make a prompt and thorough investigation. (Title 43A, section 10-105, […]

APS Service Planning A Realistic Look at Substance Abuse, Mental Illness, and Financial Dependence 50% of the homeless are either mentally ill or substance abusers Lack readily-available treatment programs No therapy is 100% effective High recidivism rates Assistance programs have been cut back Conclusion: Difficult and complex problems Society does not have all of the […]

Procedures for APS Investigations Group Homes Prior to initiating the investigation: Determine if the client(s) is a FOCUS CLASS MEMBER or has ever been a resident of Hissom. If yes refer report to the Office of Client Advocacy. Determine size of group home by consulting DDSD. May request DDS worker to accompany on investigation. Determine […]

Procedures for APS Investigations Sheltered Workshops or Day Care Centers Prior to initiating the investigation: Determine where client(s) reside. Determine where, how and when the participants will be interviewed. Determine how many workers will be necessary to complete the investigation. Determine whether DDS involvement is needed or desired. Determine legal status of clients involved if […]

Guidelines for Use of APS Emergency Funds General information needed for all requests: Need: Describe circumstances regarding situation; what precipitated need and how client was meeting needs prior to APS involvement. Income: Amount and source(s). Determine availability of income and who was responsible for expenditures. Resources: Amount and source(s). Determine availability of resources to meet […]