Understanding repeated visits to adult protective services

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore Protective Service (PS) caseworker opinions related to why some older adults require repeated services. Design/methodology/approach – Using a constructivist grounded theory approach, focus groups were conducted with a major Adult Protective Services (APS) office, recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings – Results from the qualitative analytic method of thematic analysis produced four overarching themes: poor communication between referral sources and APS; PS caseworkers as gatekeepers; self-determination; and changes in health conditions and family dynamics. Practical implications – The documented themes appear amenable to education interventions for both professionals and families. Originality/value – These new data add depth to the understanding of the PS caseworker experience and help guide research related to areas that need educational interventions with older adults who access APS and the professionals and families involved in such cases.