Vulnerable Adults
The Arkansas UMC Conference Safe Sanctuary policies are written for the protection
of children, youth and vulnerable adults.
Who are we talking about?
http://www.aradultprotection.com/Who.htm
Endangered Adults
• An adult eighteen (18) years of age or older who is found to be in a situation or condition which poses an imminent risk of death or serious bodily harm to that person and who demonstrates the lack of capacity to comprehend the nature and consequences of remaining in that situation or condition.
• A resident eighteen (18) years of age or older of a licensed long-term care facility who is found to be in a situation or condition which poses an imminent risk of death or serious bodily harm to that person and who demonstrates the lack of capacity to comprehend the nature and consequences of remaining in the that situation or condition.
Impaired Adults
• A person eighteen (18) years or older who as a result of mental or physical impairment is unable to protect himself or herself from abuse, sexual abuse, neglect or exploitation and as a consequence thereof is endangered.
The Rights of Vulnerable Adults
http://www.garyjonesassociation.org/eaRights.aspx
All adults, regardless of age or mental capacity, have the right to:
• Live in dignity and safety, free from mistreatment of any kind
• Have their physical AND emotional needs met
• Make their own decisions
• Have visitors at their discretion
• Maintain autonomy (as much as possible within any health constraints)
An abusive person will try to cut a vulnerable adult off from all resources, especially friends and family. Isolating a vulnerable adult is part of the abuse pattern. For this reason, third-party visitation rights for terminally ill or elderly parents and their adult children.
Hotlines
To report suspected elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation in Arkansas:
• 1.800.482.8049 – Adult Abuse Hotline
• 501.682.8425 (For suspected elder mistreatment in long-term care facilities, Pulaski County).
• 1.800.582.4887 (For suspected elder mistreatment in long-term care facilities, outside of Pulaski County).
• 1.800.332.4443 (Arkansas domestic violence/battered women hotline).
More Information
Arkansas DHS Division of Aging and Adult Services
http://www.daas.ar.gov/
The mission of the Division of Aging and Adult Services is to promote the health, safety, and independence of older Arkansans and adults with physical disabilities.
National Center on Elder Abuse
http://www.ncea.aoa.gov/ncearoot/Main_Site/index.aspx
The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), directed by the U.S. Administration on Aging, is committed to helping national, state and local partners in the field be fully prepared to ensure that older Americans will live with dignity, integrity, independence and without abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
The NCEA is a resource for policy makers, social service and health care practitioners, the justice system, researchers, advocates, and families.
To report suspected abuse or neglect of vulnerable adults,
call 1.800.482.8049