Nursing home abuse cases in New York often surface quietly, from missed medications to sudden injuries or changes in behavior that don’t add up. Families see the signs before anyone else.
“When care breaks down, protective systems are supposed to respond, but getting help starts with knowing where to turn and what each agency can do. Adult Protective Services plays a key role in that process,” says attorney Michael Duffy of Duffy & Duffy, PLLC.
This article discusses how the APS works in New York.
Understanding Adult Protective Services
Adult Protective Services (APS) operates under New York City’s Human Resources Administration. Its mission centers on helping adults who are physically or mentally impaired and unable to protect themselves.
Workers step in when reports suggest abuse, neglect, or exploitation. That includes poor care in nursing homes, especially when basic needs like hygiene, safety, or nutrition go unmet.
APS does not replace the police or health inspectors. Instead, they assess risk, offer social services, and may refer cases for legal action. In facilities, their role is often part of a larger response involving other agencies and medical professionals.
How to Report Abuse or Neglect to APS
Calls to APS in New York go through the NYC Human Resources Administration’s Adult Protective Services Central Intake Unit. Anyone, including family, friends, and medical staff, can make a report without needing proof.
Reports can be made by phone or online through the HRA APS portal. Details like the person’s name, location, and specific concerns help move the case forward faster.
Reports stay confidential, and you won’t need to follow up unless APS contacts you for more context. APS decides whether to investigate within 72 hours of receiving the information.
What APS Does After Receiving a Report
After a report comes in, APS assigns a caseworker to screen it for urgency. Some cases get fast-tracked if there’s a clear danger, while others move through standard review.
Caseworkers visit the person’s location, often within a few days, to assess safety, capacity, and the environment. They may speak with staff, doctors, or family, depending on what’s relevant.
If abuse or neglect is confirmed, APS can coordinate emergency services, initiate legal guardianship, or involve law enforcement. They work closely with the state’s long-term care ombudsman and may notify other agencies of parallel investigations.
Other Options You Can Contact for Help
While the APS process is useful, it’s not the only path. Several state and federal agencies handle elder abuse complaints in care facilities.
The New York State Department of Health oversees nursing homes and accepts complaints through its Nursing Home Complaint Hotline. Reports can also go to the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, which focuses on resident rights and quality of care.
Law enforcement can be called upon if criminal activity is suspected. Some families also reach out to the National Center on Elder Abuse, a nonprofit that offers resources and referral information.
The Need for a Nursing Home Malpractice Attorney When Making a Report
Filing an APS report can expose serious problems, but it does not always fix them. Nursing homes may deny wrongdoing, delay cooperation, or shift blame onto staff.
You can strengthen your position with a nursing home malpractice attorney who understands both medical standards and elder law. They know how to uncover violations, push for accountability, and work alongside APS without slowing down the investigation.
Attorneys frequently call in medical professionals to evaluate facility records and identify symptoms of chronic mistreatment. That evidence helps if you file a civil lawsuit or if criminal charges follow.
Final Remarks
You have a voice in how loved ones are treated, even when the system feels slow or silent. The law allows you to challenge harm and demand better.
Each activity, from reporting to documenting and asking questions, moves the situation closer to accountability. No step is too small when someone’s safety is at stake.