I often see advice on the forum to bring in APS. In reality, and in these days of underfunded, understaffed service providers - were they really helpful for you? What is the GOOD and the BAD of your experience? I'm in California (SF Bay Area) and I'd love to hear from the locals here too.
My most recent experience was in Southern California some 5 years ago when intervention by APS was required by my brother for his partner, when they were separated and there were alcoholism out of control with meddling by abusive neighbors taking advantage. APS was all KINDS of help and assistance.
We often here on the forum about APS intervening, and I must say it is mostly missives written by people who are attempting to care for their elders and someone ELSE reported them. More of a "What should I do/say; how scared do I need to be". And etc. There are also cases here where someone in family is POA and caregiver and another sibling is wanting to check in/check up for wellness checks.
What the outcomes are we are most often not here filled in.
I will say this to you--if you are worried, what other option is there????? Really this is the ONLY option for the safety and welfare of the elder. So it is worth a try. And if you do it and write here about it, that's all the MORE information. As someone already posted today, "we learn from one another" here on AC.
I saw the letter from them when I tried to help and convinced her they weren’t going to just put her in a home. This was accurate. They came, asked if there was food in the house, offered some ways to apply for financial help, and a couple of months later sent a team to do a big clean out on the house. (Which she’d destroyed again in a few months time). APS told me if. the person had mental capacity, they can’t just take over or put them in a facility.
Resources for Dementia Support in Niagara County, NY
1. Adult Protective Services (APS) — Niagara County
APS does exist in Niagara County and assists adults with impairments who cannot meet basic needs or protect themselves.
Phone: 716-278-8621
Address: 301 Tenth Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14303
Hours: Mon–Fri, 8 AM–4 PM
Services are free regardless of income.
2. NY Connects — Information & Care Options Counseling
NY Connects provides free information, screening, and referrals for long‑term care, home care, meals, transportation, and dementia supports.
Phone: 716-438-3030
Email: nyconnects@niagaracounty.gov
Hours: Mon–Fri, 8 AM–4 PM
3. Respite & Caregiver Support Programs
Caregiver respite is available in‑home or out‑of‑home through the Niagara County Office for the Aging.
Phone: 716-438-4033
Deputy Director (Kara Donovan): 716-438-3069
Address: 111 Main Street, Suite 101, Lockport, NY
4. Legal Assistance & Planning
Legal support for powers of attorney, guardianship assistance, and advance directives.
Phone: 716-438-4020
5. Alzheimer’s & Dementia‑Specific Support
Alzheimer’s Association Western NY offers a 24/7 helpline, support groups, education, and respite guidance.
24/7 Helpline: 1-800-272-3900
6. Additional Community Supports
• Niagara County Office for the Aging: meals, case management, transportation, chore services.
• Dial 211 for local community resource assistance.
Tips: Call agencies directly; request an APS assessment; NY Connects is the best starting point.
I hope this helps.
It appears that they made a false APS report saying neglect due to some fantasies of his. The large police man told me to talk with the smaller police man in the hallway. I did that calmly.
APS reports are totally unknowable, unsearchable, untouchable. This proposed APS report is causing us six months of emotional pain, because the so-called care center (which is about 100 miles away) does not let me visit him. This is also against the so-called regulations of medical facilities. With lawyer advise I made a complaint to the California Department of Public Health about this violent separation. After months of their "investigations" they ended up sending me the lies of the institution as their results.
Three months ago they sent my partner as "almost dead" to a large medical center in Sacramento. That center called me from the Intensive Care Unit. I went there right away and spent the week there with him.
I am struggling every day with the pain and anger of this inhumane separation of two committed people who have enjoyed each others peaceful company for 38 years. They say it is due to a proposed unknowable California APS report.
However, they do follow-up visits if warranted and provide assistance or help them find assistance for a majority of vunerable adults.
A report to APS needs to be documented and investigated but regulations to force an adult to change their living situation is very difficult due to personal rights in NY.
See All Answers