Assisting Adult Protective Services in Addressing Maltreatment in Older Adults

My 81-year-old patient, E.P., has a history of hypertension, hypothyroidism, and mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but I have not seen them since the initial COVID-19 shutdown. The county Adult Protective Services agency has requested a medical assessment because of concerns for E.P.’s safety and possible self-neglect following reports of E.P. appearing confused and wandering in the neighborhood. As a family physician, what are my responsibilites to the patient and to Adult Protective Services in this situation? What is the best clinical approach to addressing the concerns for E.P.’s welfare?