In the previous post, Illinois nursing home negligence lawyers discussed Adult Protective Services (APS).  In this post they will highlight the ethical principles and practice guidelines for this important service.  APS strives to ensure the safety and well-being of elders and adults with disabilities from being mistreated, abused or neglected.  This service has protected many individuals from Illinois nursing home neglect.

APS has two main values which govern their actions:

1. Every action taken by Adult Protective Services must balance the duty to protect the safety of the vulnerable adult with the adult’s right to self-determination.
2. Older people and people with disabilities who are victims of abuse, exploitation or neglect should be treated with honesty, caring and respect.

The following list highlights guidelines of APS:

• Recognize individual differences
• Avoid imposing personal values on others
• Recognize the interests of the adult are the first concern of any intervention
• Involve the adult as much as possible in developing the service plan
• Honor the right of adults to receive information about their choices and options in a form or manner they can understand
• Respect the adult’s right to keep personal information confidential
• Seek informed consent form the adult before providing services
• Do no harm.  Inadequate or inappropriate intervention may be worse than no intervention
• Maintain clear and appropriate professional boundaries
• Use substituted judgment in case planning when historical knowledge of the adult’s values is available

A Chicago nursing home abuse attorney reports on the ethical principles of Adult Protective Services:

• Adults have the right to accept or refuse services
• Adults have the right to be safe
• Adults retain all their civil and constitutional rights unless some of these rights have been restricted by court action
• Adults have the right to make decisions that do not conform with societal norms as long as these decisions do no harm others
• Adults are presumed to have decision making capacity unless a court adjudicates otherwise

Despite the role Adult Protective Services plays in protecting adults in danger or neglect or abuse, many victims are still mistreated throughout the state of Illinois.  Nursing home negligence lawyers are dedicated to protecting our loved ones.  If you or someone you know has been a victim, experienced Chicago nursing home abuse attorneys are on your side.

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