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Ohio's Recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Month

June is designated as World Elder Abuse Awareness Month, a time when the state of Ohio emphasizes the significance of safeguarding its elderly population. With input from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) and the Ohio Department of Aging (ODA), awareness initiatives encourage Ohioans to be vigilant about the signs of elder abuse and the necessary steps for reporting it.

The Reality of Elder Abuse

Elder abuse can take various forms, including physical, sexual, psychological, neglect, and financial exploitation. It's a tragic reality that affects many seniors nationwide; indeed, studies indicate that up to one in ten older individuals may experience some form of abuse. In Ohio alone, nearly 3 million residents are 60 years of age or older, anticipating that by 2030, this demographic will comprise over 25% of the state's population.

Matt Damschroder, Director of ODJFS, stated, "Local agencies field more than 100 adult protective services referrals daily, underscoring our collective responsibility to ensure that older Ohioans can age in safety. During this awareness month, let us all commit to being part of the solution." This call to action stresses the vital role that every community member plays in protecting the aging population.

Identifying Signs of Abuse

It is paramount for families and caregivers to recognize the signs of elder abuse. These may include:

• - Lack of basic amenities, such as food or shelter
• - Changes in living conditions that indicate neglect
• - Unexplained injuries or bruises
• - Sudden alterations in behavior or mood
• - Unpaid bills alongside evidence of new credit accounts
• - Unusually high cash withdrawals

By identifying these signs early, community members can help to intervene before situations escalate into more severe forms of abuse.

The Campaign for Awareness

To facilitate increased awareness, ODJFS continues its ongoing campaign, titled “Age Safely, Ohio.” The campaign aims to educate older citizens and their families about elder abuse, highlighting where such abuse might occur and the indicators that can signal a problem. A dedicated page on the Ohio Department of Aging’s website (aging.ohio.gov/elderabuse) offers resources on recognizing warning signs and steering clear of potential scams that target the elderly.

As we commemorate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, Governor Mike DeWine and Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel underscore the necessity of being proactive in safeguarding our seniors.

Reporting Elder Abuse

Ohioans are encouraged to report any suspected incidents of elder abuse by calling 1-855-OHIO-APS (1-855-644-6277). This hotline provides guidance on filing reports and offers the option for callers to remain anonymous. For cases concerning nursing homes or assisted living facilities, direct contact can be made with the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-800-282-1206 or through their website at ombudsman.ohio.gov.

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services manages countless essential programs designed to uplift and protect families, including job training, unemployment insurance, and adult protective services. By maintaining vigilance and fostering dialogue about elder issues, we can work toward making Ohio the safest and most supportive environment for our senior citizens.

In the words of ODA Director McElroy, “My previous experience as an Adult Protective Services case worker revealed the grim realities of elder abuse, fraud, and exploitation. Many incidents remain unreported, and we must educate and empower our seniors to speak out against abuse. Together, we can create an Ohio where older adults thrive.”