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Ohio Officials Urge Vigilance Against Elder Abuse

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – Ohio officials are urging all Ohioans to be alert to signs of abuse, neglect and exploitation of the state’s fast-growing older population.

Leaders of the Department of Aging and the Department of Job and Family Service want people to inform authorities if they suspect that an older relative or neighbor is being targeted.

JFS supervises the Adult Protective Services program for those 60 and older who are in jeopardy. The toll-free help line is 1-855-644-6277 (1-855-OHIO-APS).

The Department of Aging has a state Long-Term Care Ombudsman, which advocates for people receiving home care, assisted living or nursing home care. That phone is 1-800-282-1206.

Ohio officials say the state’s 60-plus population is expected to grow by 40 percent in 2015-2040.

June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.