Adams County urged to watch for signs of elder abuse
AAA7 is urging Adams County residents to spot bruises, missing money and controlling caregivers, then call Ohio APS at 1-855-644-6277.
Bruises, missing money and caregivers who cut an older adult off from help are the warning signs the Area Agency on Aging District 7 highlighted in a June 23 notice for Adams County. The warning comes as Ohio marks June as Elder Abuse Awareness Month and recognizes June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
AAA7 serves older adults, adults with disabilities, caregivers and families in Adams, Brown, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scioto and Vinton counties. In a rural region where family members, neighbors, clergy and bank workers may be the first to notice trouble, warning signs should prompt action.
Unexplained withdrawals, new names added to an account, sudden use of cards or checks, unpaid rent, mortgage, utility or medical bills, and frequent mail or phone calls tied to prizes or gifts are warning signs in a bank statement or at home. Physical and neglect warning signs include bruises, black eyes, cuts, rope marks, untreated injuries, sudden withdrawal, hazardous living conditions, dehydration, malnutrition and poor hygiene. A caregiver who seems controlling, or a previously uninvolved relative who suddenly appears with access to finances, can also be a warning flag.
In early June, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and the Department of Aging urged residents to know how to recognize abuse and report it. County departments of job and family services, or their designated agencies, investigate reports of abuse, neglect and exploitation involving vulnerable adults age 60 and older.
In Adams County, concerns can be taken to the local adult protective services system through the Adams County Department of Job and Family Services. Ohio’s statewide hotline, 1-855-OHIO-APS, or 1-855-644-6277, is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Callers do not need proof, may remain anonymous, and face no cost for reporting or penalty for a good-faith report.
Ohio receives an average of 88 adult protective services referrals each day, but most elder abuse, neglect and exploitation still goes unreported, according to National Institutes of Health estimates cited by the Department of Aging. Mandatory reporters in multiple professions are required by law to report suspected abuse.
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