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.

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:

Call APS at (614) 525-4348 weekdays 9AM-5PM ET (NOTE: All referral sources remain confidential.)
Contact the Ohio Attorney General Elder Justice Unit at
(800) 282-0515.
Contact your local law enforcement agency to file a police report.

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.