If you are a mandatory reporter and suspect the abuse of an older Ohioan or have seen warning signs that make you suspect abuse, neglect, or exploitation has taken or is taking place, you must report it.
If you feel that someone is in immediate danger of harm from abuse, neglect or exploitation, call local law enforcement immediately.
Report incidents of abuse of adults age 60 and older to Adult Protective Services, a program of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Call 1-855-OHIO-APS (1-855-644-6277) any time to report. Or, contact your county Job and Family Services office. You may also report suspected cases of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation using the Ohio Adult Protective Services Online Referral tool.
To report incidents of abuse in long-term care facilities, contact the Ohio Department of Health's complaint hotline online or by calling 1-800-342-0553. You may also contact the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman.
When you report, be prepared to provide as much of the following information as possible to help initiate an effective investigation:
- Name, address and approximate age of the person;
- Name and address of the person responsible for the victim’s care;
- Name and address of the alleged perpetrator, if different from the caregiver;
- The reason you suspect abuse, neglect or exploitation;
- The nature and extent of the suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation including how it is impacting the health, safety, welfare, rights, or quality of life of the older adult;
- Information regarding any previous suspected incidents of abuse, neglect or exploitation; and
- Any other known information that may help discover the cause or scope of the suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation.
