City: Santa Fe, NM

Category: Retirement

Telephone: (505) 827-7450

Address: 2001 Vivigen Way

Description: New Mexico law requires anyone who suspects an adult is being abused, neglected, or exploited to report it. That’s where Adult Protective Services steps in. A branch of the New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department, the agency investigates allegations of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of people age 18 and older who are unable to protect themselves. The majority of its clients are seniors. In some cases, Adult Protective Services will provide housecleaning, shopping, transportation, and other services to keep an individual from being institutionalized prematurely. Other cases involve family members or acquaintances who are taking advantage of a vulnerable adult, especially his or her checkbook. The agency has no punitive powers but may refer cases either to other community services or, if it suspects criminal activity, to the police or district attorney.