My office is committed to protecting elderly victims of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation, and to seeking punishment for offenders who prey on the elderly and disabled in Cuyahoga County.  

Elder abuse cases are on the rise due to our aging population and the poor economy. By the year 2030, there will be over 70 million people in the United States over the age of sixty-five.   Many older adults suffer from mental and physical impairments such as Alzheimer's disease and mobility issues that make them easy prey. It is estimated that 10 million baby-boomers will develop Alzheimer's disease in their lifetime.  

Sadly, perpetrators of financial exploitation and abuse are often the elderly person's own relatives or caregivers. For example, an adult child who has financial power of attorney and access to his parent's bank accounts can easily misuse his parent's funds for his own purposes without the parent knowing. This type of financial misconduct deprives the elderly person of assets needed to purchase medicine and pay for medical care and may force the parent to become dependent on Medicaid much earlier than they would have otherwise.   Therefore, elder abuse is not only a serious moral problem, abuse of and theft from the elderly cost taxpayers countless millions.

Another example of elder abuse involves neglect. When one assumes the responsibility of caring for a functionally impaired person, allowing that person to suffer from malnourishment, dehydration or other physical ailments due to neglect may result in civil and/or law enforcement interventions.    

The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office has assistant prosecuting attorneys who are assigned to protect elderly victims and to prosecute the offenders. On the civil side, the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office seeks protective orders and guardianships in Probate Court for adults ages sixty and over who lack the capacity to make sound decisions concerning their health and safety. Many of these adults are the victims of abuse, neglect and exploitation at the hands of others who take advantage of their vulnerabilities. On the criminal side, perpetrators of abuse, neglect and exploitation of the elderly are vigorously prosecuted.     

If you believe that an elderly person is the victim of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or simply needs assistance, you should make a report to Cuyahoga County Adult Protective Services at 216.420.6700. If you believe a crime is being or has been committed against an elderly person, you should contact your local police department.

Elder abuse and crimes against the elderly are serious problems. Together we can make a difference and protect those who cannot protect themselves.