STOP OHIO! Know the Signs of Elder Abuse

The Ohio Department of Aging wants everyone in Ohio to recognize the signs of elder abuse and they want people to know what to do if abuse is suspected.

Last summer the Ohio Department of Aging has launched a movement to help Ohioans recognize the signs of Elder Abuse. According to an article in the Jackson County Times-Journal, on June 15th, 2018 the Ohio Department of Aging and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services asked

all Ohioans to learn the warning signs of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation and know how to report it if they suspect that an older loved one or neighbor might be a target.

The article, submitted by the Ohio Department of Aging, focuses on getting Ohio residents to know how to recognize signs of abuse and just as importantly WHAT to do if family or friends suspect abuse.

What to do if you suspect abuse?

The article outlines the following avenues for reporting abuse:

If you feel that someone is in immediate danger of harm, call local law enforcement immediately.

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services supervises the state’s Adult Protective Services program, which helps vulnerable adults age 60 and older who are in danger of harm, are unable to protect themselves and may have no one to assist them. County departments of job and family services receive and investigate reports of abuse, neglect and exploitation and evaluate the need for protective services. To report suspected abuse, call the statewide, toll-free help line at 1-855-644-6277 (1-855-OHIO-APS).

The Ohio Department of Aging is home to the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, which advocates for people receiving home care, assisted living and nursing home care. Paid and volunteer staff work to resolve complaints about services, help people select a provider and offer information about benefits and consumer rights. To report suspected abuse in a nursing home or assisted living facility or by staff of a home care agency, call the State Ombudsman’s Office toll-free at 1-800-282-1206.

In addition, area agencies on aging around the state can connect elders to community-based services and supports to maintain or increase their independence and help prevent abuse, neglect and exploitation. Call toll-free 1-866-243-5678 to be connected to the area agency on aging serving your community.

Signs of Abuse:

It is extremely important for family and friends of people in nursing homes to be acutely aware of what is considered elder abuse. The article outlines the following as WHAT constitutes as elder abuse:

Neglect occurs when an individual’s basic needs for safety and well-being (such as medical care, adequate nutrition, socialization) are not being met. This can be through the action or inaction of the individual or another person.

Exploitation is the unlawful or improper use of another person’s resources for monetary or personal benefit, profit or gain. People who exploit older adults can range from total strangers to trusted friends and family members.

Physical abuse is the intentional use of physical force that results in injury, pain or impairment. It includes pushing, hitting, slapping, pinching and other ways of physically harming a person. In care settings, it can also include placing an individual in incorrect positions, force feeding, restraining or giving medication without the person’s knowledge.

Emotional abuse occurs when a person is threatened, humiliated, intimidated or otherwise psychologically hurt. It includes the violation of an adult’s right to make decisions and the loss of his or her privacy.

Sexual abuse includes rape or other unwanted, nonconsensual sexual contact. It also can mean forced or coerced nudity, exhibitionism and other non-touching sexual situations.

For more information on elder abuse, you can visit our page here that  dedicated to informing family and friends of the elderly in order to prevent abuse.

Further more, the article outlines signs of elder abuse: