Yes. NC Adult Protective Services investigates situations involving self-neglect, not just abuse or neglect caused by another person -- an older or disabled adult who is unable to meet their own basic needs for food, shelter, hygiene, or medical care can still be the subject of a valid APS report. Contact the county DSS Adult Services office where the person lives; since APS is county-administered, this means contacting Chatham County DSS specifically rather than a statewide number.
What to do next
Self-neglect is a recognized category within Adult Protective Services work nationally and in North Carolina, distinct from cases where a caregiver or family member is directly causing harm -- it covers situations where an adult, often due to cognitive decline, mental illness, or physical limitations, is no longer able to safely care for themselves, manage their home, or meet basic needs like nutrition, hygiene, or medication management. Neighbors, friends, or concerned community members are frequently the ones who first notice signs of self-neglect, such as an unkempt home, spoiled food, unpaid utility bills, or a person who seems increasingly disoriented or unsafe living alone, and reporting these observations to the county DSS Adult Services office is appropriate even when no other person appears to be at fault. Because APS is administered separately by each county's DSS office in North Carolina, a concern about a Chatham County resident (in towns like Pittsboro or Siler City) should go specifically to Chatham County DSS rather than Wake County's number or a general statewide line. An APS investigation into self-neglect often results in connecting the individual with supportive services, such as CAP/DA in-home Medicaid waiver services, rather than punitive action.
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