Buncombe County Adult Protective Services outlines common elder‑abuse cases and gives reporting hotline

Buncombe County's Adult Protective Services (APS) described on air how it responds to suspected abuse, neglect and exploitation of disabled adults and where families can turn for help.

"We investigate reports that are given to our agency of abuse, neglect and exploitation," said Laura McCracken, supervisor for adult services in Buncombe County. McCracken said APS can offer adult protective planning and mobilization services but that an adult must consent to receive those services.

McCracken said self‑neglect is among the most frequent concerns APS receives, and she gave examples ranging from missed medications and medication management needs to missed medical appointments caused by transportation barriers. When necessary, APS can help arrange higher levels of care, including assisted‑living or skilled‑nursing placement.

The supervisor also warned of financial exploitation and scam activity targeting older residents, saying family members or friends sometimes divert older adults' funds for their own benefit. She recommended educational resources such as the state Attorney General's office for scam prevention information.

If listeners suspect abuse, neglect or exploitation of a disabled adult, McCracken gave APS intake as the contact point: "Please call Buncombe County adult services intake at (828) 250‑5800," she said on air.

Where to turn for non‑APS guidance: McCracken and county staff recommended the Council on Aging for information and options counseling for older adults who do not meet APS criteria but need resource connection. The county also runs congregate dining, home‑delivered meals and other programs that can help limit social isolation, staff said.

Why this matters: APS is the county's point of contact for allegations of abuse or exploitation; the program emphasized consent for services, the range of self‑neglect presentations and the prevalence of scam activity against older adults.