The topic I would like to cover this month involves Compassionate Care of vulnerable adults.
What happens when you suspect or believe in good faith that an adult is having difficulty to the extent they are, for example, vulnerable to losing their home; not getting enough to eat; living in unsafe conditions; unable to manage finances; are refusing to seek out medical care; or appears to have cognitive impairment that is adversely affecting their quality of life?

It turns out that ‘self-neglect’ is the most commonly reported type of adult abuse, and believe it or not, every person in NH is required, or mandated by law to report their suspicions to the Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services (BEAS) under RSA 161-F:46.

Some people are so uncomfortable and they find themselves reluctant to make a report, especially when involving a neighbor, friend, or relative. However, as a mandated reporter, there is a legal obligation to report suspicions. On one hand, we want to respect adults’ privacy and protect their dignity, on the other hand, when not taking action to report the matter, one can be charged and convicted of a misdemeanor under RSA 161-F:50.

Reports can be made online or by phone, are confidential, and can be anonymous, and there is no need to submit proof of claims made. Once reported in good faith, there is no responsibility to investigate further, and one becomes immune from liability. On the bright side, vulnerable adults could end up benefiting from a variety of services for which they did not know they qualified.

Contact BEAS from 8:00 to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday at (800) 949-0470 or (603) 271-7014. Website:  dhhs.nh.gov/bureau-elderly-adult-services  The most comprehensive source of information I’ve found on this topic is at: havennh.org/adult-protective-program/

I am a former mandated reporter of child abuse and neglect as a Court Appointed Special Advocate and investigated vulnerable adult cases when I was a private investigator, and I have just recently made such a report. Please feel free to contact me to discuss the situation if you know of a vulnerable adult but just can’t bring yourself to make the call to BEAS. After discreet fact-checking in good faith, I would be willing to make the report. 603 217-7842.