Although the Council for Older Adults does not have the authority to investigate reports of abuse, neglect or exploitation of older adults, we recognize the importance of Adult Protective Services (APS). We offer this information about APS to help everyone recognize indicators of abuse, neglect and exploitation and know how to make a report when these issues are suspected.

 

Adult Protective Services is intended to assist adults who are in danger of harm, unable to protect themselves, and have no one else to assist them. The goals of APS are to prevent, reduce or remedy conditions causing endangerment.

Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation is a silent problem that affects a number of older adults in the United States, as well as right here at home in Delaware, Ohio. There is a law in Ohio that is designed to help protect our seniors from this type of harm. It is the Adult Protective Service Law. This law requires the County Department of Job and Family Services to investigate reports made concerning abused, neglected, and exploited adults age 60 years or older. The Adult Protective Service worker not only investigates, but also assists in correcting these situations by referring to community services.

The APS worker assists older adults through the provision of services appropriate to the needs of each individual. The APS worker strives to maximize the adult’s independence and self direction and seeks to prevent unnecessary institutionalization, which enables the adult to remain in his or her own home as long as possible by selection of the least restrictive alternative. To the extent that funds are available, the following services are included, but not limited to:

 

• Case Management
• Counseling
• Mental Health Services
• In-Home Services
• Guardianship
• Alternative Temporary Living Arrangements
• Legal Services

There are some indicators of an adult, who may be suffering from elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The following are common indicators:

Physical Abuse:

• Marks, bruises
• Burns, fractures
• Sudden fear of a loved one or caregiver

Sexual Abuse:

• Genital or urinary irritation or infection
• Difficulty walking or sitting

Neglect:

• Unsafe and/or unhealthy living environment
• Poor hygiene: body odor, dirty clothes
• Malnutrition, sudden weight loss
• Lack of basic needs: food, shelter, clothing, medical

Financial Exploitation:

• Fraud
• Misuse of credit cards
• Missing money, checks or property
• Overpayment of goods or services

Certain professionals are mandated reporters required to report their suspicion of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Designated professionals, who fail to carry out their responsibility, under law, could face a fine of up to $500. Mandatory reporters include: any provider of senior services, ambulatory health services, community mental health services, and home health services. This includes professionals such as attorneys, physicians, osteopaths, podiatrists, chiropractors, dentists, psychologists, and nurses, as well as any employee of a hospital, adult care facility, community alternative home, nursing home, rest home, or home for the aging. Also included are peace officers, coroners, clergy, and persons engaging in social work or counseling.

To make a referral concerning an adult 60 years or older living in Delaware County which may involve abuse, neglect, or exploitation, call the Adult Protective Services referral line at (740)833-2300. When calling it is helpful to provide the following information which will help the Adult Protective Service worker in the investigation:

1. The person’s name, phone number, address, and where they can be located.
2. The age of the person and if the person resides in Delaware County.
3. The name and phone number of a caregiver or support service in the home, if present.
4. Current, accurate, and detailed information concerning the nature of the incident.

A referral will be screened and determined whether it is an appropriate referral according to the Adult Protective Services statutes. Once the referral is taken, an investigation will begin. Investigations that are deemed emergencies will be initiated within 24 hours and all non-emergency investigations will be initiated within 3 working days. A face-to-face home visit with the subject will be made to determine risk. When it is determined that services are needed, the individual at risk will be linked to appropriate community resources for services.

If you have any questions regarding Adult Protective Services or elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation, please contact the APS worker at (740) 833-2340.

Please visit these helpful links for more information about elder abuse:

1. National Center for Elder Abuse (NCEA) - www.elderabusecenter.org
2. American Bar Association- Commission on Legal Problems for the Elderly - www.abanet.org/elderly/home.html
3. Pro Seniors - www.state.oh.us/age/legalsvcs.html