Winnebago County APS flags rising financial exploitation of older adults, outlines services and funding

Nicole Hasmovich, who said she oversees adult and aging programs for the Winnebago County ADRC, told the Human Services Board that Adult Protective Services (APS) handled 676 screened investigation calls in 2025 and has seen a marked increase in financial-exploitation reports.

"In 2025, we had a total of 676 calls that were screened for investigation," Hasmovich said, noting that roughly 38% of those cases required some form of follow-up and about 13% involved concerns about financial exploitation. She told the board APS refers suspected criminal matters to law enforcement and focuses its work on safety planning, investigations and coordinating protective placements when medically appropriate.

The presentation outlined how APS uses limited state funds for crisis responses — paying for physician examinations, short-term rent or short-term facility fees when needed — and for services such as specialized cleaning in hoarding cases and short-term in-home providers. "We do have crisis-related funds to help stabilize them," Hasmovich said.

Hasmovich also reviewed task-force and interagency efforts. She said the county participates in regional financial-exploitation task forces with neighboring counties and holds quarterly meetings that include law enforcement and banks to track trends and identify policies to reduce exploitation. Among legislative and program changes discussed were proposals to allow financial institutions to delay or refuse suspicious transactions and notify authorities, and a proposed drug repository program to allow out‑of‑state drug donations for local pilot programs.

On funding, Hasmovich told the board the state allocated $46,230 to the county for elder-abuse direct funds in 2025 and the department spent $46,151. She said some funds were spent on comprehensive evaluations and short-term rental assistance to stabilize at‑risk adults while guardianship or other longer-term arrangements were pursued.

Board members asked about APS authority in emergency mental-health situations and whether APS can compel hospital holds. Hasmovich replied that APS can request hospital evaluations and that medical or psychological determinations drive whether someone is held or returned home: "If a hospital doesn't find a reason to keep them, they are brought right back home," she said.

Hasmovich urged the public to report suspected abuse and noted plans for outreach during June's Elder Abuse Awareness Month, including local events to help residents complete powers of attorney and information sessions at senior centers. "So please, if you see something, say something," she said.

The board did not take formal action on new legislation during the meeting; Hasmovich encouraged continued interagency coordination and said APS would pursue grants and training opportunities and expand financial-exploitation tracking.

Next steps: APS will continue outreach and follow up on proposed policy options discussed with regional partners; board members were directed to the Winnebago County ADRC main line for APS referrals and to expect further budget and program updates.