Public Service Announcement
June 15, 2022, is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. On that day, communities in the USA
and all over the world will sponsor events to highlight solutions to this systemic social
challenge. The Scioto County Department of Job and Family Services is proud to share
multiple educational opportunities to participate in this national conversation.
SCDJFS will present on WNXT’s radio broadcast of Community Corner, discussing the local challenges of elder abuse in Scioto County. There will be an information table set up in the lobby of SCDJFS as well, providing a variety of information for victims, caretakers, and others who may observe warning signs.
Additionally, there will be a social media campaign throughout
the month of June, shared via the facebook page (Scioto County Job and Family Services)
and website (www.SciotoCountyJFS.com).
As Americans, we believe in justice for all. Yet we fail to live up to this promise when we
allow older members of our society to be abused or neglected. Older people are vital,
contributing members of American society and their maltreatment diminishes all of us. Just
as we have confronted and addressed the social issues of child abuse and domestic
violence, so too can we find solutions to address issues like elder abuse, which also
threatens the well-being of our community.
Our policies and practices make it hard for older people to stay involved with and connected
to our communities as they age. As a result, older people are more likely to experience social
isolation, which increases the likelihood of abuse and neglect. We can design stronger
societal supports to keep our older people connected and protect them from abuse, whether
financial, emotional, physical, or sexual.
When we address a root cause, like social isolation,
we also make it less likely that people will become neglected. Older adults who are socially
connected and protected from harm are less likely to be hospitalized, less likely to go into
nursing homes and less likely to die.
We can and must create healthier and safer living environments for older adults, including
their homes, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. It is up to everyone to prevent and
address elder abuse.
If you know of someone age 60 or over, who is experiencing abuse,
neglect, and/or financial exploitation, you may make a referral 24/7/365 by calling the
Statewide APS Referral Line at: 1-855-OHIO-APS (1-855-644-6277).
For referrals specific to Scioto County, you may call Scioto County APS Referral Line during
business hours – Monday-Friday from 8am-4:00pm at 1-740-354-6661, Option 1. For
referrals made after business hours, please call the Statewide APS Referral Line.
If you believe that an older person is in a life-threatening situation, contact 911 or the local
police or sheriff’s department.