To the editor:

Last Wednesday, June 15th, was World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Governor Kasich has declared that the state of Ohio’s elder population, age 60 or older, accounts for 20 percent of our residents today, and is expected to grow to nearly 29 percent by the year 2030. Shelby County Job and Family Services, specifically the Adult Protective Services division, investigates allegations involving county residents age 60 and older, who may be suffering from emotional or physical abuse, neglect, or exploitation at the hands of others. Other clients are reported for neglecting themselves. Many of the clients who are referred to the agency suffer from some form of dementia, and are also faced with some form of disability, which makes them more likely to become victims of exploitation, or even violence. Governor Kasich encourages all Ohioans to recognize that our elders deserve to live with dignity and respect in safe and caring communities.

In Ohio, only about one in five incidents of elder abuse is believed to be reported. More than 44 reports of elder abuse are received each day in Ohio. During the state fiscal year of 2016, Ohio received more than 16,000 reports of elder abuse, neglect or exploitation. If you suspect an older adult is being abused, neglected or exploited, contact local law enforcement or your county department of job and family services by calling 937-498-4981.

Mindy Serr

Shelby County Job and Family Services