Physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, self-neglect and financial exploitation of an adult are all within Adult Protective Services' scope in Ohio. If you're unsure whether a specific concern qualifies, report it and let APS make that determination.
What to do next
Families often talk themselves out of reporting because they're not certain the situation is 'bad enough' to count, or worry about overreacting to something that might have an innocent explanation. That hesitation is understandable but not necessary -- APS investigators are trained to assess and screen reports, and a report that turns out to have an innocent explanation causes far less harm than a real pattern of abuse or exploitation going unreported because a family member wasn't sure it qualified. If in doubt, call and describe what you've observed.
Related questions
- How do I report suspected elder abuse or neglect in Hamilton County?
- Who handles Adult Protective Services in Butler, Warren and Clermont counties?
- Is a facility licensing complaint the same thing as an APS report?
- Can I report elder financial exploitation even if I'm not sure money has actually been taken?
- What happens after I make an Adult Protective Services report in Ohio?
