To report abuse or neglect please call: (740) 653-4060
The information you provide will be kept in strict confidence and can always be given anonymously. The Adult Protective Services is committed to protecting and advocating for adults, age 60 and older, in order to: - Prevent, reduce, or remedy conditions causing endangerment;
- Maximize the older adult’s independence and self-determination, and;
- Prevent unnecessary institutionalization and enable older adults to remain in their homes and communities for as long as possible.
Adult Protective Services are provided to Fairfield County residents, age 60 or older, who are at risk or victims of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or exploitation, without regard to income.
Adult Protective Services can be reached by calling: (740) 653-1701, or (800) 450-8845 during regular business hours.
- Investigates allegations of abuse (physical, emotional, sexual), neglect, self-neglect, and financial exploitation when the alleged victim is age 60 or older;
- Assists the older adult victim in accessing services that will enhance independence;
- Assists the older adult in accessing basic needs, such as food, clothing, safe housing;
- Acts as a referral source for older adults in need of various services;
- Collaborates with other social service agencies, law enforcement, hospitals, physicians, and others in providing services to older adults;
- Coordinates the Fairfield County Elder Abuse Interdisciplinary Team
Elder Abuse
Elder abuse is often a "silent suffering," a secret epidemic which afflicts a growing number of senior citizens in Ohio and the United States. Elder abuse is more than just the physical maltreatment of seniors. Its definition also includes emotional manipulation and financial exploitation, which many older adults suffer at the hands of their own family and relatives. Elder abuse also includes self-neglect and abuse among older adults. Elder abuse is a crime. Social, medical, and mental health care professionals are MANDATED by law to immediately report suspected abuse, neglect (including self-neglect) or exploitation to the county department of job and family services. Also required to report are attorneys, peace officers, senior service providers, clergymen, coroners, and professional counselors. In Fairfield County, all reports of suspected elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation should be immediately reported to Adult Protective Services at Fairfield County Job and Family Services.
Indicators of Physical Abuse- Unexplained bruises, welts, burns, fractures, lacerations, abrasions, punctures
- Evidence of inadequate or inappropriate administration of medication
- Absence of hair and/or hemorrhaging below scalp
- Soiled or bloodstained clothing or bedding
- Unexplained difficulty in walking or sitting
- Signs of confinement
- Broken eyeglasses/frames, physical signs of being restrained
- Laboratory findings of medication overdose or under utilization of prescribed drugs
- An elders sudden change in behavior
- The caregiver's refusal to allow visitors to see an elder alone
- Bruises around the breasts or genital area
Indicators of Emotional Abuse- Being emotionally upset or agitated
- Being extremely withdrawn and non-responsive or non-communicative
- Unusual behavior attributed to dementia (e.g., sucking, biting, rocking)
- An elder's report of being verbally or emotionally mistreated
Indicators of Neglect- Dehydration, malnutrition, untreated bedsores, poor personal hygiene
- Unattended or untreated health problems
- Hazardous or unsafe living conditions
- Unsanitary or unclean living conditions
Indicators of Financial Abuse- Sudden changes in bank account or banking practice, including an unexplained withdrawal of money by a person accompanying the elder
- The inclusion of additional names on an elder's bank signature card
- Unauthorized withdrawal of the elder's funds using an ATM card
- Unexplained disappearance of funds or valuable possessions
- Elder's report of exploitation
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