Elder abuse is more prevalent than we think
Here is a number to remember: 1-855-OHIO-APS. Store it in your phone. I hope you and your loved ones never need it, but if that day comes, you’ll be thankful you have it.
It is the Ohio Adult Protective Services hotline, and it could save a life and prevent a lot of heartache and pain.
Elder abuse, neglect and exploitation is widespread and underreported.
Nationally, an estimated 1 in 8 older adults suffer from it.
Given that rate, U.S. Census data suggests that more than 200,000 Ohioans age 60 and older experience some form of elder abuse. Yet Ohio’s county departments of job and family services received just 34,000 calls in 2020. This suggests that tens of thousands of instances of elder abuse went unreported.
This is an alarming trend and, frankly, is unacceptable. The time is now for all Ohioans to be aware of the types of elder abuse, recognize the warning signs and know who to call when they suspect someone is in danger.
According to the U.S. Administration for Community Living, elder abuse refers to any knowing, intentional or negligent act by any person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult.
Abuse can be physical, emotional or sexual. It includes neglect and isolation, as well as financial abuse and exploitation. Warning signs of abuse include signs of physical harm, sudden changes in behavior, increased involvement of other family members in their lives or decisions, lack of hygiene, unclean or unsafe living conditions, missing money or property and increased isolation.
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services operates our state’s Adult Protective Services.
APS serves Ohioans age 60 or over who live in their own homes and communities. APS staff investigate reports of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation, and partner with appropriate agencies to address the situation. Call the toll-free state APS hotline at 1-855-OHIO-APS (1-855-644-6277).
There’s no requirement of physical proof, and callers can choose to be anonymous.
To report suspected abuse in a nursing home or assisted living facility or by staff of a home care agency, call the Office of the State Long-term Care Ombudsman at 1-800-282-1206.
We all have the social responsibility to report suspected elder abuse, neglect and exploitation, but if you work in certain professions, you may be required by law to report it. These fields include financial service, legal, senior service, counseling, religious and medical professions. Visit www.elderjustice.ohio.gov to learn if you may be a mandatory reporter.
No one deserves to live in fear. You can be the person who brings hope to what seems to be a hopeless situation. Learn more at aging.ohio.gov/elderabuse.
Additional resources
h The Ohio Department of Aging’s Staying Connected service. Participants receive a free, daily check-in call to ensure that they are OK. Visit aging.ohio.gov/stayingconnected or call 1-833-6322428 to register.
h Ohio’s aging network provides an array of services and supports for older adults and their families that can help reduce the risk of elder abuse. Call 1-866-243-5678 to be connected to the agency serving your community.
Ursel J. Mcelroy was appointed by Gov. Mike Dewine in January 2019 to direct the Ohio Department of Aging and administer the State Plan on Aging.