Ohio has seen a dramatic surge in elder abuse cases, with a 400% increase statewide since 2017. More troubling is just how many more cases go unreported because family members, friends, and even healthcare providers don’t know where to turn when they suspect abuse.

If you’re reading this, you may already have concerns about a loved one. This guide walks through the Ohio elder abuse reporting process step-by-step, including how to contact Adult Protective Services Ohio, what documentation helps investigators, and when to involve law enforcement.

Understanding Elder Abuse in Ohio: What Qualifies as Abuse?

Under Ohio law, elder abuse encompasses several different categories:

• Physical abuse includes hitting, slapping, restraining, or any use of force that causes injury or pain. 
• Emotional or psychological abuse involves intimidation, humiliation, threats, or isolation that causes mental anguish. 
• Sexual abuse is any non-consensual sexual contact. 
• Financial exploitation occurs when someone misuses an elderly person’s funds, property, or assets without permission. 
• Neglect means failure to provide necessary care, including food, medication, hygiene, or medical attention. 
• Abandonment happens when a caregiver deserts an elderly person who depends on their care.

Learn more about how to spot the signs of elder abuse and nursing home neglect. 

How to Report Elder Abuse in Ohio

One of the most important things to know about elder abuse is that you don’t need proof to report. Ohio law protects those who report suspected elder abuse in good faith; under Ohio Revised Code §5101.60, any adult age 60 or older, or any adult age 18-59 with a disability, qualifies for Adult Protective Services intervention. In other words, reasonable suspicion is enough to warrant a report.

Step 1: Contact Adult Protective Services Immediately

The main way to report suspected elder abuse is through the statewide Adult Protective Services Ohio hotline at 1-855-OHIO-APS (1-855-644-6277). This line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

When you call, be ready to answer questions about what you have observed. The specialist will ask about the person’s age, living situation, the type of suspected abuse, and any immediate safety concerns. You can report anonymously, but giving your contact information can help investigators if they need to reach out for more information.

If you prefer, reports can also be submitted online through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services portal, though the hotline often provides more immediate guidance for complex situations.

Once you file a report, Adult Protective Services will review it within 24 hours to see if it meets the criteria for investigation. If it does, an investigation usually starts within 3 to 5 business days. Response times are quicker for situations with serious risk or immediate danger. In emergencies, like when an elderly person is at imminent risk, law enforcement may respond the same day.  

Depending on the situation, you might need to reach out to other agencies:

• County Adult Protective Services: Each Ohio county has a designated APS office that handles local investigations
• Nursing home abuse: Contact the Ohio Department of Health’s complaint hotline at 1-800-342-0553 or complete this form if the abuse occurs in a licensed long-term care facility

Step 2: Document What You’ve Observed

Documentation creates a record that supports investigation and, if necessary, legal action. While you should never put yourself at risk or break privacy laws, gathering what you can legally access strengthens the case for intervention. 

Photographs, for example, can capture visible injuries, unsafe living conditions, medication errors, or hygiene concerns. Take photos with timestamps if possible and include context — for example, photograph not just a bruise but also the surrounding area if it is relevant. 

Beyond visual evidence, notes that include dates, times, specific incidents, and names of any witnesses or staff members present are helpful for investigators to follow. Rather than general observations like “she seems unhappy,” record specific details; for example, “On January 15, 2026, at approximately 2 p.m., I observed aide John Smith speaking to my mother in a raised voice and pulling her arm forcefully while transferring her to the wheelchair.”

If you suspect financial exploitation, a different type of documentation should be your focus. With legal authority or your loved one’s consent, gather bank statements, credit card bills, recent changes to wills or powers of attorney, and documentation of unusual transactions. 

Medical records provide another essential piece of the puzzle. These can reveal untreated conditions, medication errors, or injuries inconsistent with explanations provided by caregivers. If you hold healthcare power of attorney or your loved one can consent, try to request copies from providers. 

Learn more about common misconceptions about nursing home resident rights in Ohio. 

Step 3: When to Involve Law Enforcement

Even if you’ve already reported to Adult Protective Services, file a police report when criminal activity may be involved. Both reports create documentation that can support criminal prosecution and civil litigation. Some Ohio counties have specialized elder abuse prosecution units with trained investigators who understand the unique dynamics of these cases.

What Happens After You Report

Adult Protective Services investigations follow a process that assesses risk and connects victims with appropriate services. Investigators typically make an initial contact with the alleged victim, often through an unannounced visit to observe living conditions firsthand. Then, they’ll conduct interviews with them (if possible), family members, caregivers, and facility staff. 

Substantiated abuse

When investigators find that abuse or neglect has happened, APS creates a protective service plan, which may involve arranging alternative care, connecting the victim to medical or mental health services, seeking guardianship if the person cannot make safe decisions, or referring the case to law enforcement for a criminal investigation.  

Unsubstantiated

If investigators do not find enough evidence to confirm abuse, the case closes. That said, it can be reopened if new information comes to light or if circumstances change.  

Unable to determine

Sometimes, investigators cannot reach a clear conclusion due to limited access, conflicting stories, or a lack of cooperation. These cases may stay open for monitoring.

Legal Options for Victims of Elder Abuse in Ohio

Reporting to Adult Protective Services addresses immediate safety concerns, but legal action may be needed to hold responsible parties accountable and compensate victims for the harm they suffered. 

If you believe a loved one has been harmed due to nursing home neglect or elder abuse, an attorney can help:

• Investigate the full scope of abuse or neglect, including obtaining records that may not be accessible to you right now
• Identify all potentially liable parties
• Pursue compensation for medical expenses, ongoing care needs, pain and suffering, and in severe cases, punitive damages designed to deter similar conduct
• Navigate Ohio’s complex statutes of limitations, which set specific deadlines for filing elder abuse claims
• Force facilities to implement better safeguards, remove dangerous employees or caregivers from positions of trust
• Restore dignity to victims who’ve been harmed by those entrusted with their care

At Slater & Zurz, our team has spent decades fighting for the rights of vulnerable Ohioans. We offer free, confidential case evaluations to help families understand what happened, what recourse may be available, and how to hold responsible parties accountable. Call us at 330-762-0700 for a free case review from an experienced elder abuse attorney.