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Ohio laws require county Departments of Job and Family Services to investigate reported abuse of people age 60 and older (some offices may investigate reports of abuse of vulnerable adults under 60). The Department of Aging and the aging network actively supports these agencies in this mission to protect older Ohioans from physical, sexual, emotional and financial abuse or neglect.

Report Elder Abuse! - Authorities cannot investigate it if they don't know about it! If you suspect an older person is being abused, contact your county Department of Job and Family Services to report it. When you call, be ready to give the elder's name, address, contact information and details about why you are concerned. You may be asked for your name and contact information, but most agencies will honor your request to remain anonymous.

If the individual is in immediate danger of physical harm, dial 9-1-1 or call the police!

Potential Signs of Elder Abuse

• Declining physical appearance: inappropriate, inadequate or damaged clothing, bruises, black eyes, welts, lacerations, rope marks, poor personal hygiene.
• Severe or frequent injury or illness: bone fractures and breaks, dehydration, malnutrition, untreated bed sores, unattended or untreated health problems.
• Substandard living conditions: unsafe environment (e.g., improper wiring, no heat, or no running water) or unclean or unsanitary conditions (e.g. dirt, fleas, stains on bed and furniture, fecal or urine smell).
• Problems with care providers: substandard care, lack of necessary medical aides (e.g., eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures), caregiver refuses to let visitors see the individual alone.
• Financial issues: Bills aren't getting paid (despite adequate financial resources), sudden changes in bank account or banking practice, unexplained withdrawal of a large sum of money, abrupt changes in a will or other financial documents, unexplained disappearance of funds or valuable possessions, the individual's signature being forged for financial transactions, unexplained sudden transfer of assets.
• Behavior changes: the suddenly begins acting erratically or irrationally (e.g., becomes emotionally upset or agitated, or extremely withdrawn).

Take His Word for It! - Pay attention if the individual reports being hit, slapped, kicked, raped, or mistreated. Don't take chances, report it!

Self-abuse Is Still Abuse - Much elder neglect and abuse is self-inflicted. Depression and physical limitations may prevent the individual fromtaking adequate care of himself or herself. If someone appears to be lacking the care he or she needs, report it. Help may be available.