Adult Protective Services
Adult Protective Services (APS) provides services to older adults who are in danger of being
mistreated and/or are unable to protect themselves from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. APS
will investigate and assess the report of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation, and will link
the older adult to appropriate agencies for services. APS also provides case planning, monitoring
and evaluation.
Every action taken by APS must balance the duty to protect the safety of the vulnerable adult with the
adult’s right to self-determination. Older people and people with disabilities who are victims of abuse,
neglect or exploitation should be treated with honesty, care and respect.
Download Adult Protective Services Flyer
WHAT IS ELDER ABUSE
Elder abuse is the abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult over the age of 60. There are several types of elder abuse, including:
- Physical, sexual, and emotional abuse
- Neglect and self-neglect
- Abandonment
- Financial and material exploitation
Elder abuse is often committed by a family member or caregiver, but there are some cases where the offender is a stranger.
FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION RESOURCES
2022 Financial Scams & Older Adults
Financial Wellness for Seniors
Financial Wellness – Don’t Be Scammed
Financial Exploitation (Grove City Police Dept.)
SIGNS OF ELDER ABUSE
There are some warning signs family members and friends of older residents can watch out for, including:
- Unusual changes in sleep and behavior
- Withdrawal from activities
- Isolation from family and friends
- Unexplained injuries, bruises, burns and/or scars
- Changes in their appearance
- Unsanitary living conditions
- Recent changes in banking and/or spending patterns
HOW TO REPORT ELDER ABUSE
Sadly, elder abuse cases are extremely underreported because they fear retaliation by the offender,
are ashamed/embarrassed, or are concerned about being placed in an assisted living center. It’s important
for older adults who are experiencing abuse, neglect, or exploitation to know that they are the victim and
it’s not their fault.
Franklin County residents can report elder abuse in the following ways:
If you would like more information about Adult Protective Services, and what responsibilities and tools your agency has in reporting
suspected abuse, you may request an APS speaker to visit your organization.
APS is administered by the Franklin County
Office on Aging with funding provided by the Franklin County
Department of Job and Family Services.