SPEAK UP for AT-RISK ADULTS
At-risk adults are individuals over 18 with disabling conditions or seniors who are victims of abuse, neglect or another mistreatment.
- At-risk adults may have problems with their health and safety because they cannot care for themselves.
- At-risk adults may not be able to protect or care for themselves because they cannot understand or do not recognize there is a problem.
- At-risk adults may be abused, neglected or taken advantage of by people they trust and rely on for care.
What is abuse?
- Physical abuse is hitting, slapping, pushing, kicking, burning, confining, or restraining an adult.
- Sexual abuse is sexual activity or touching without the adult’s consent or understanding.
- Financial Exploitation is the use of an at-risk adult’s money or property for another’s an advantage.
- Neglect is a lack of food, shelter, clothing, or care provided to an at-risk adult by a caregiver.
- Self-neglect is the inability or unwillingness of an at-risk adult to care for herself or himself. The choice of lifestyle, by itself, does not indicate self-neglect.
Warning Signs of Abuse and Neglect
- Sudden Changes in behavior, finances or lifestyle
- Physical injuries, dehydration or malnourishment
- Extreme withdrawal, depression or anxiety
- Absence of basic care or necessities
- Kept away from others
- Unsanitary living conditions
- Personal items or money missing
It’s OK to Speak Up! Reports are confidential
To report concerns, contact Adult Protective Services at Pueblo County Department of Social Services.
Phone: 719-583-6853 Monday -Friday, 8 am – 4 pm, excluding holidays
Crisis Line: 719-583-6699, after hours, weekends, holidays
If it is an emergency or an urgent situation, please contact law enforcement at 911.
What Happens When You Report?
- A caseworker may get more information about the reported abuse by calling or visiting the at-risk adult or other interested parties.
- A caseworker may help the adult get needed services that may solve the problem.
- The caseworker may provide you with helpful information.
An at-risk adult has the right to refuse protective services.
For additional information:
Colorado Aging & Adult Services
Adult Protection 303-866-2800 (voice, TTD)
and
The Colorado Coalition for Elder Rights & Adult Protection
303-866-2849 or 1-800-773-1386