Chapter 16 - Adult Protective Services
Carla called Adult Protective Services.
I learned when a caseworker named Monica Green arrived.
At first I was furious.
Then Monica said:
“Mr. Dalton, a report does not mean we assume abuse or incapacity.”
“What was reported?”
She could not disclose everything.
Concerns included:
Financial self-neglect.
Possible cognitive decline.
Family conflict.
Sudden cancellation of household payments.
That last part was mine.
I invited her in.
Showed:
Medical evaluation.
Bank accounts.
Property records.
Medication list.
Kitchen.
Refrigerator.
House condition.
She asked whether Louis or Carla controlled money.
“No.”
“Have they threatened you?”
“No.”
“Do you want them here?”
I paused.
That was the first question nobody had asked cleanly.
“Not anymore.”
Monica nodded.
“Do they have somewhere else to go?”
“Yes, but it may take time.”
“Then talk to an attorney about proper notice.”
No dramatic finding.
No one declared me victim or abuser that day.
APS documented that I appeared capable and understood my finances.
They also advised family mediation and legal separation of accounts.
Useful.
Carla had hoped the call would prove I was unstable.
Instead it created an independent record.
May you like
I did not thank her.
But I stopped calling the report betrayal.
