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As a community partner who doesn't engage in the work of adult protective services every day, what are some tips for interviewing older adults?

Welcome to the Help Desk for North Carolina adult protection multidisciplinary teams (MDTs). The purpose of the Help Desk is to create a space where all members of the adult protection community can access information and direct questions related to establishing and maintaining strong MDTs. We know that across the state MDTs are in various stages of development. Some counties have fully functioning MDTs. Some counties want to re-invigorate their efforts and some counties haven’t gotten off the ground yet with your team. The Help Desk is here for all of you – every community, and everyone who participates in the MDT.

We want you to contact us when you are facing challenges. You may want ideas about how to strengthen your team. Or perhaps you need coaching on taking your first steps in forming an MDT. Some of you may need help managing dynamics among your team members or maybe you need to access specific legal expertise in managing a current case. The Help Desk is here to support you in all of these situations. Simply reach out via email or phone to connect with us.

Below you will find a compilation of frequently asked questions we’ve received at the Help Desk, organized by subject matter.

Posted on
Thursday, April 20, 2023 - 9:02 am
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Social workers in adult protective services are trained to interview older adults, especially vulnerable adults who become involved with the APS system.  For those who don't engage in this work, interviewing older adults about sensitive topics can be intimidating.  Below are some tips to make your interview successful:

  • Take care to conduct the interview in a place that is comfortable for the older adult.
  • Limit distractions as much as possible for the older adult, and for the interviewer.  (Turn off the television, put cell phones away, etc.)
  • Make sure any accommodations required by the adult are in place to ensure the adult can participate in a meaningful way.
  • Introduce yourself and the purpose of the interview.  Make sure to leave your contact information with the older adult for later use if necessary.
  • Begin by building rapport.
  • Always treat the older adult with respect.
  • Refrain from stereotyping or making assumptions about the adult.  

You can find additional resources in the Adult Protection Network Resource Library.

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