LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) - Allen County Adult Protective Services is dedicated to assisting individuals aged 60 and older to live lives free from physical, emotional and financial abuse, or the threat of abuse.
In 2024, the agency received 533 calls reporting possible abuse or neglect. When calls are received, caseworkers assess the situation to evaluate any risk to the safety and well-being of the alleged victims. If a risk is identified, caseworkers collaborate with families, social service agencies and other community resources to meet the individual's needs and improve their circumstances.
Deputy Bob Fisher with Allen County Adult Protective Services said, "To try to help them with resources. Sometimes the situation may be already taken care of. Say, if it's an exploitation type situation, they got scammed, they're already working with their banks, working with other family members. They've got it all taken care of, made police reports, whatever they've got from there. But there might be other things that they might need some assistance at home with. We can help direct, talk to them, work with them, get them in further connections of resources they may not be aware of that would be beneficial to them."
To raise awareness, the Allen County Commissioners presented Adult Protective Services with a proclamation declaring Sunday, June 15, as "World Elder Abuse Awareness Day." The proclamation emphasizes that all residents share the responsibility of building safer communities for Allen County's seniors.
