Adult Protective Services
Anyone with reason to believe that a vulnerable adult age 60 or older has suffered abuse, neglect, or exploitation may file a report with the Department of Job and Family Services in the county in which the patient resides. During non-business hours, contact local law enforcement. As healthcare workers, we are all mandated reporters.
IF YOU SUSPECT ELDER ABUSE OR NEGLECT
Coshocton County Adult Protective Services | 740-622-1020 | Call between hours of 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM (M-F) |
Coshocton County Sheriff’s Department | 740-622-2411 | Call sheriff for afterhours reporting |
Signs of Abuse
- Bruises, black eyes, welts, lacerations, cuts, punctures, or rope marks.
- Untreated injuries in various stages of healing.
- Sudden changes in behavior, such as becoming upset or agitated for no visible reason.
- Becoming suddenly withdrawn, non-communicative or nonresponsive.
- Caregiver refuses to allow visitors to see the adult alone.
Signs of Neglect
- Hazardous or unsafe living conditions or arrangements, such as improper wiring, or lack of heat or running water
- Unsanitary or unclean living conditions, including excessive dirt, fleas, lice, soiled bedding, fecal or urine smell, or inadequate clothing.
- Dehydration, malnutrition, untreated bed sores or poor personal hygiene.
- Unattended or untreated health problems.
Signs of Exploitation
- The sudden appearance of previously uninvolved relatives who claim rights to the vulnerable adult’s affairs and possessions.
- Unexplained, sudden transfer of assets to a family member or someone outside of the family.
- Forgery of an elderly person’s signature for financial transaction or for the titles of his or her possessions.
- Unexplained disappearance of funds or valuable possessions.
If you need to make a report, provide as much of the following information as possible:
- Name, address and approximate age of the person.
- Name and address of the person responsible for the person’s care
- The name and address of the alleged perpetrator, if different from the caretaker.
- The reason you suspect abuse, neglect or exploitation
- The nature and extent of the suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation.
- Any other known information.