Adult Protective Services in Maine

Maine Adult Protective Services (APS), operated through the Office of Aging and Disability Services within the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, investigates reports of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and self-neglect affecting incapacitated and dependent adults living in the community. If you believe an adult in Maine is being harmed or is unable to protect themselves, call the 24/7 APS hotline at 1-800-624-8404 or submit a report online.

How to Report Elder Abuse in Maine

Maine offers two ways to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult: by telephone and through an online reporting portal.

Report by Phone

Call Maine APS at 1-800-624-8404. The hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays. In-state callers who are deaf or hard of hearing can use Maine Relay by dialing 711. Out-of-state TTY callers can reach the after-hours line at 207-287-3492. An intake worker will document the report and determine the appropriate response level.

Report Online

Maine's online reporting portal is available at https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oads/get-support/aps/report-abuse-neglect-exploitation. The portal allows community members, mandated reporters, and professionals to submit reports electronically. Online reports are appropriate for non-emergency situations. For situations involving immediate danger, call 911 first and then use the phone hotline.

Emergency Situations

If an incapacitated adult in Maine faces immediate danger — a medical emergency, a physical assault in progress, or other life-threatening circumstances — call 911 immediately. APS investigators are social service workers, not emergency first responders. After contacting emergency services, call 1-800-624-8404 to initiate an APS investigation.

What Information to Have Ready Before You Call

Providing as much information as possible when you report helps APS respond effectively. Gather the following if you can:

• The full name, age, and address of the person you believe is at risk
• A specific description of the suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation — including what you observed, when, and how often
• The name and relationship of the person suspected of causing the harm
• Information about the victim's physical or mental condition and any known disabilities
• Names of other people who may have witnessed or have relevant knowledge
• Your contact information (you may report anonymously, but contact details help with follow-up)
• Whether the person has a legal guardian, conservator, or power of attorney

Types of Elder Abuse APS Investigates in Maine

Maine APS is authorized under 22 M.R.S. Chapter 958-A to investigate the following forms of maltreatment:

• Physical abuse — intentional acts causing physical injury or pain, including hitting, restraining, or improper use of medications
• Sexual abuse — any non-consensual sexual contact or exploitation
• Emotional abuse — verbal threats, humiliation, isolation from support systems, or psychological intimidation
• Confinement — unlawful or inappropriate physical restriction of movement
• Financial exploitation — theft, misuse of funds, unauthorized transfers of property, or misuse of power of attorney
• Neglect — a caretaker's failure to provide basic needs such as food, medical care, shelter, or personal hygiene assistance
• Self-neglect — an adult's inability or refusal to provide for their own essential needs, putting them at risk of serious harm

Warning Signs of Elder Abuse

Recognizing the warning signs of abuse or neglect can prompt timely intervention. The following indicators — especially when they appear suddenly or repeatedly — may signal that a vulnerable adult needs help.

Physical Signs

• Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries in various stages of healing
• Bedsores, pressure wounds, or evidence of prolonged neglect of personal hygiene
• Sudden weight loss, dehydration, or signs of malnutrition
• Injuries inconsistent with the explanation offered by the caregiver
• Evidence of restraints or confinement

Behavioral Signs

• Sudden withdrawal, fearfulness, or anxiety — especially around a particular caregiver
• Confusion or disorientation greater than expected for the person's condition
• Reluctance to speak or make eye contact when a caregiver is present
• Depression, hopelessness, or talk of being trapped or worthless
• Sudden changes in behavior, personality, or daily habits

Financial Signs

• Unexplained large withdrawals from bank accounts or missing funds
• Sudden changes to a will, trust, power of attorney, or beneficiary designations
• Unpaid bills or utilities that have been shut off despite adequate financial resources
• A caregiver controlling access to the person's money or financial documents
• Missing valuables, checks, or financial statements

Who Can (and Must) Report Abuse in Maine

Any person who suspects that an incapacitated or dependent adult is being abused, neglected, or exploited may report to APS in Maine. Reports may be made anonymously.

Maine law at 22 M.R.S. §3477(1) designates specific professionals as mandated reporters who are required to report immediately when they have reasonable cause to believe a vulnerable adult has been abused, neglected, or exploited. Mandated reporters include physicians, nurses, dentists, and other medical professionals; mental health practitioners; caregivers; law enforcement officers; and clergy (except in strictly confidential communications).

Good faith reporters — including mandated reporters — are immune from civil and criminal liability under Maine law. Reporter identities are kept confidential under 22 M.R.S. §3474.

What Happens After You Report to APS in Maine

After you submit a report, Maine APS follows a structured investigation process:

Step 1 — Intake Screening

An intake worker reviews the report to determine whether it meets Maine's criteria for investigation — specifically, whether the subject is an incapacitated or dependent adult and whether the reported conduct falls within APS jurisdiction. Reports involving residents of licensed facilities may be referred to the Department of Health and Human Services licensing division or law enforcement.

Step 2 — Response Timeline

Under OADS Rule Chapter 2, Maine APS initiates investigations within 5 business days of receiving a report. Emergency situations — where the adult faces imminent risk of serious harm — receive a same-day or next-day response. The investigation is completed and findings are issued within 30 days, though extensions may be granted when circumstances require additional time.

Step 3 — Investigation

An APS caseworker conducts a face-to-face visit with the reported adult in their home or care setting. The worker interviews the individual privately where possible, observes the environment, and speaks with family members, caregivers, neighbors, and health care providers. Medical records, financial documents, and prior reports may be reviewed. Criminal conduct is referred to law enforcement.

Step 4 — Service Plan and Outcome

If the investigation substantiates abuse, neglect, or exploitation, APS develops a service plan in partnership with the adult whenever they have the capacity to participate. Available services include emergency placement, medical and mental health referrals, in-home assistance, legal advocacy, and financial management support. Adults with decision-making capacity retain the right to refuse services. If the person lacks capacity and faces ongoing danger, APS may seek court-authorized protective action.

APS vs. Long-Term Care Ombudsman — Who Handles Nursing Home Abuse in Maine?

Maine APS investigates abuse and neglect in community settings — private homes and non-licensed care arrangements. It does not typically investigate complaints about the care or conduct of staff in licensed nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or residential care facilities.

For concerns about licensed long-term care facilities in Maine, contact the Maine Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program at 1-800-499-0229. The Ombudsman investigates complaints about the quality of care, residents' rights, and facility conditions. The Maine DHHS Division of Licensing and Certification handles regulatory complaints and inspections of licensed care facilities.

For a complete guide to filing a nursing home complaint in Maine, see our Maine Nursing Home Complaint Guide.

Additional Resources in Maine

• Maine APS Hotline: 1-800-624-8404 (24/7)
• Maine Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-800-499-0229
• Maine DHHS Office of Aging and Disability Services
• Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116
• National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311)
• National Center on Elder Abuse

Reports to Maine APS are confidential and anonymous reports are accepted. If you are concerned about a vulnerable adult in Maine, call 1-800-624-8404 or use the online reporting portal.