PHONE: 740-432-2381
800-307-8422
View GUERNSEY COUNTY DJFS
Adult Protective Services
What is elder abuse?

Guernsey County Adult Protective Services (APS), acts as a safeguard for the elderly living in Guernsey County. Adult Protective Services’ mission is to protect persons aged 60 and older from suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation. “Elder abuse” is an infliction of injury upon an adult by self or others, unreasonable confinement, intimidation or cruel punishment with resulting physical harm, pain, or mental anguish. “Elder neglect” is defined as the failure of an adult to provide themselves with the goods or services necessary to avoid physical harm, mental anguish, or mental illness or the failure of a caretaker to provide such goods or services. “Elder exploitation” means the unlawful or improper act of a caretaker using an adult or an adult’s resources for their monetary or personal benefit, profit, or gain.


When and how should APS be contacted?

Guernsey County Adult Protective Services assesses alleged elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation based on reports given by people like you – someone who cares about the well being of the elderly.

If you file a report in good faith, you are immune from civil or criminal liability. Your employer cannot retaliate against you if you file in good faith a report of suspected abuse. Your report should include the name, address and approximate age of the adult, the name and address of the adult's caregiver, the nature and extent of the suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation, and what makes you believe it has occurred.


What can older persons and caregivers do to prevent abuse?

If you are an older person, there are things you can do to safeguard yourself from financial abuse. First, ensure you are familiar with your finances, especially if you have not handled your finances before. Also have all income deposited directly into your bank account and arrange for other methods such as reliable powers of attorney in the event you are incapacitated. Be cautious about handing over items or money to individuals who are promising to keep you out of a nursing home. Also you should not sign any agreements that you do not fully comprehend.



To avoid physical abuse and/or neglect, ensure caregivers take time away to themselves and if needed check into respite care (temporary help). To prevent other forms of abuse, encourage your caregivers to spend more time away from you. Make sure your support network is composed of various types of contacts, such as family, friends, and community members, so you are not solely relying on family for care and emotional support.


What protective services may be available through APS?

If available, APS services may include, but are not limited to, casework services and the referral for medical care, mental health services, legal services, fiscal management, home health care, homemaker services, housing-related services, guardianship services and placement services. They also may include the referral for food, clothing and shelter.
Guernsey County JFS
324 Highland Avenue Cambridge, OH 43725
Phone: 740-432-2381 | 800-307-8422
Fax: 740-432-1952

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