Have Questions? CALL US AT 419-222-7723 or 1-800-653-7723
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ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES
Adult Protective Services, Consumer Protections & Legal Services
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) supervises the state’s Adult Protective Services (APS) 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. APS agencies investigate reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of older adults who live in the community.
The main types of elder abuse are self-neglect or neglect by others; physical or financial exploitation; and emotional, physical, or sexual abuse. According to the Ohio Department of Aging, warning signs of possible elder abuse, neglect or exploitation can include:
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Bruises, cuts or other signs of physical harm; broken eyeglasses
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Sudden behavioral changes, such as becoming less social or a change in personality
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A caregiver who refuses to allow visitors to see the adult alone or have private conversations
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Unusual weight loss, dehydration, bed sores
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Hazardous or unsanitary living conditions
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Dehydration, malnutrition or poor personal hygiene
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Previously uninvolved relatives showing sudden interest in the adult’s rights, affairs and possessions
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Unexplained, sudden transfers of assets or finances to an individual
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Unexplained disappearances of funds or valuable possessions; unusual bank withdrawals; unpaid bills
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Abrupt changes in a will, financial documents, bank accounts or banking practice
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Over- or under-utilization of prescribed medications or missing medications
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To report suspected abuse, call the statewide, toll-free help line at 1-855-644-6277 or contact your county Adult Protective Services agency (see list below). If you feel that someone is in immediate danger of harm from abuse, neglect or exploitation, call local law enforcement immediately. Reports to Adult Protective Services agencies can be made anonymously.
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ODJFS has two helpful publications: a fact sheet on Adult Protective Services as well as Understanding Elder Abuse: A Guide for Ohioans (JFS 08098), which can be downloaded or ordered at www.odjfs.state.oh.us/forms/.
Adult Protective Services Agencies
Located in AAA3's service area
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Allen County Jobs and Family Services
Phone: (419) 228-2621
Website- https://acjfs.org/services/adult-protection/
Auglaize County Jobs and Family Services
Phone: 567-242-2700
Website- https://www.auglaizecountydjfs.org/adultprotectiveservices
Hancock County Jobs and Family Services
Phone: (419) 422-0182
Website- http://www.hancockjfs.org/children-protective/
Hardin County Jobs and Family Services
Phone: (419) 675-1130
Website- http://co.hardin.oh.us/jfs/
Mercer County Jobs and Family Services
Phone: (419) 586-5106
Website- https://www.mercercountyohio.org/county-services/job-family-services/
Putnam County Jobs and Family Services
Phone: (567) 376-3777
Website: https://putnamcountyohio.gov/job-and-family-services/
Van Wert County Jobs and Family Services
Phone: 419-238-5430
Website- https://www.vanwertcountyohio.gov/services/job_and_family_services/protective_care.php
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State Long-term Care Ombudsman
Ohio’s Office of the State Long-term Care Ombudsman (SLTCO) 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. Ombudsman staff do not regulate nursing homes and home health agencies, but do work with providers, residents, their families and other representatives to resolve problems and concerns.
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To report suspected abuse of an older adult in a nursing home or assisted living facility, contact the state or regional Long-term Care Ombudsman office.
State Long-term Care Ombudsman office
800-282-1206|
elderrights@age.ohio.gov
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Regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman Office
ABLE Toledo
525 Jefferson Ave., Ste. 300 Toledo, OH 43604-1373
Phone: (419) 255-0814 OR (800) 837-0814
FAX: (419) 259-2880
TTY: (888) 545-9497
Website: https://www.ablelaw.org/
Consumer Protections and Legal Assistance
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Ohio Attorney General’s Office
The Attorney General’s Office assists consumers, the elderly, crime victims, military service members and veterans, and others with a wide range of programs and services. The AG’s office answers questions and investigates consumer complaints, takes reports of fraud and scams and provides information to assist victims of identity theft.
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The AG’s office provides a number of services to meet the needs of Ohio’s older adults, including resources to avoid scams, investigation of patient abuse and neglect in long-term care settings, and programs that enhance seniors’ safety.
Ohio Office of the Attorney General
30 E. Broad St., 14th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215
www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov
Help Center
614-466-4986 or 800-282-0515
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Disability Rights Ohio
Disability Rights Ohio provides legal advocacy and rights protection to people who have disabilities and addresses issues of abuse, neglect, discrimination, housing, employment, community integration, voting and rights protection issues, and more. The organization offers an online resource directory on disability related topics.
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Disability Rights Ohio
200 Civic Center Drive #300
Columbus, OH 43215
www.disabilityrightsohio.org
614-466-7264 or 800-282-9181
TTY: 614-728-2553 or 800-858-3542 (toll-free in Ohio only)
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Pro Seniors Inc.
Pro Seniors helps seniors resolve legal and long-term care issues or problems. The organization operates a legal hotline that provides free legal information, advice, and referral for residents of Ohio age 60 and over, regardless of income or resources. When you call Pro Seniors, an attorney will schedule a 30-minute consultation. Typical topics include Medicare, Medicaid and Medicaid estate recovery, living wills, durable powers of attorney for health care, housing, and consumer problems. Their website offers fact sheets and resources on a wide-range of important legal topics, advance directive forms such as a Health Care Power of Attorney and a Living Will and can guide you through creating a simple last will and testament.
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Pro Seniors, Inc.
7162 Reading Road, Suite 1150
Cincinnati, OH 45237
www.proseniors.org
800-488-6070
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Ohio Department of Health’s Office of Health Assurance and Licensing, Complaint Unit
The Complaint Unit located within the Ohio Department of Health’s Office of Health Assurance and Licensing, receives complaints against nursing homes and other health care facilities. Complaints are referred to the Bureau of Survey and Certification for processing and investigation. The unit investigates complaints involving home care agencies, hospitals, hospice agencies, nursing facilities, residential care facilities and other health-related services under federal and state jurisdiction. Complaints may be submitted by mail, phone, email, or online.
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Ohio Department of Health
Complaint Unit
246 North High Street
Columbus, OH 43215
www.odh.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/odh/know-our-programs/complaints-nursing-home-and-healthcare-facilities
HCComplaints@odh.ohio.gov
800-342-0553
800-669-3534 Home Health Hotline
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
