A Sacramento County Adult Protective Services (APS) social worker refused to give up when meeting a new client struggling with dementia, financial abuse and self-neglect.
The first report came in December 2023, alerting APS of the man’s need for additional care. APS Social Worker Careylee Oden, working alongside Human Services Supervisor Amanda Benedickt, spent more than a year helping the man. While the majority of APS cases are resolved within 90 days, some situations require longer-term case management to ensure client safety. He had missed multiple medical appointments, could not manage his finances and was struggling with the basics of daily life. Although someone had suggested he move into a nursing facility, it was unclear whether he understood the recommendation due to his cognitive decline.
Careylee immediately stepped in to assess the situation. She contacted the client’s primary care provider and worked closely with the APS Family Service Worker.
But in April 2024, APS received a second report—this time alleging financial abuse and neglect. Careylee and Amanda pushed forward.
For more than a year, Careylee and her team demonstrated what true persistence in social work looks like. They worked to coordinate with medical providers, investigate allegations, monitor the client’s condition and create a path to safety.
That persistence finally paid off.
In February 2025, the client was successfully moved into an assisted living facility where he now receives the daily care, supervision and support he desperately needed. For the first time in years, he is safe, fed and surrounded by trained staff who understand his needs.
When APS workers last checked in on the man, he seemed to have only one small concern about his current living situation.
“He was doing well in his [new] placement. His only concerns were not having access to routine Coca-Cola and candy bars—which don’t we all want that,” said Amanda.
Through the persistence and hard work of APS staff, what started as a list of serious concerns turned into a promising new chapter in this older adult’s life – where his only worries can be about getting his caffeine and sugar fix.
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Important Information:
You can make a report to APS at (916) 874-9377. For emergencies, always call 911.
For additional resources, please contact the Sacramento County Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC):
Phone: (800) 211-4545
Email: CM@agencyonaging4.org