Your golden years are supposed to be one of the most rewarding parts of your life. Time spent doing the things you want to do and enjoying the company of family and friends who you've known for decades. Caregivers who help you maintain your health and keep living your life the way you want to. Unfortunately, for many residents of Ocean County, New Jersey, that simply isn't the case.
Elder abuse is a serious and widespread problem in Ocean County and elsewhere, both in the state of New Jersey and the country at large. Reports of elder abuse have surged in recent years, driven in part by the increasing isolation of elderly individuals and the stress placed on caregivers in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Elder abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, and psychological. The term also includes financial exploitation, as well as neglect and abandonment. Abuse can come from anywhere—family members, close acquaintances, or even the staff who are supposed to be caring for these same individuals at nursing homes and other facilities.
Sadly, many of these cases go unreported. If you know or suspect that an elderly person is being abused or neglected, it's up to you to take action.
The Lento Law Firm Family Law Team is ready to help. Our attorneys have extensive experience navigating New Jersey's elder abuse laws and assisting families with ending abusive situations, securing restraining orders, and protecting vulnerable individuals. To find out how we can help, call us today at 888.535.3686 or schedule a consultation online.
How to Report Elder Abuse in Ocean County, NJ
If someone is in immediate danger, contact your local police department right away. Otherwise, if you suspect an elderly member of your community is being abused or neglected, contact your local Adult Protective Services (APS) office. In Ocean County, NJ, the APS office is part of the Ocean County Board of Social Services located at 1005 Hooper Avenue in Toms River, NJ 08754-0547. Their phone number is 732.349.1500.
Additionally, you can reach out to the New Jersey Department of Human Services Division of Aging Services for more aid.
If the abusive situation is taking place in a nursing home or other long-term care facility, contact New Jersey's Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman (NJLTCO). This office acts as an advocate for residents of long-term care facilities and will investigate reports of abuse or neglect within these facilities.If the facility in question falls under the jurisdiction of the New Jersey Department of Health, you can also file complaints with the Department of Health's Complaint Hotline.
If the abused individual is also considered disabled, Disability Rights New Jersey can also be alerted to become involved.
About Adult Protective Services
While elder abuse technically involves those over the age of 60, APS provides help to anyone in the community who is at least 18 years of age and is experiencing abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation. There, you'll find social workers who help provide protection via assessments, care plans, legal interventions, and other strategies.
You do not need to hire an attorney before seeking assistance from the local APS office, and you are free to contact APS on behalf of someone else if you believe that person is in need of assistance.
Remember, the primary role of APS is to protect and assist—not to seek justice. For that, you'll need the help of an experienced legal team. The Lento Law Firm Family Law Team is ready and willing to help in any situation where criminal charges may be warranted or where a restraining order or other legal protections are needed. It's wise to contact our team at the same time as APS so that we can get started on your legal needs as quickly as possible.
What Happens When a Report is Filed with APS?
Once APS receives a report of elder abuse, the state of New Jersey sets strict guidelines around what happens next. APS is required to send a trained social worker to meet face-to-face with the elderly individual in private and assess their well-being, safety, and ability to make independent decisions. This investigator may also speak with caregivers, family members, and medical providers to gather additional information.
An APS Supervisor will review the investigator's report to determine if abuse, neglect, or exploitation has occurred. If so, APS workers will begin working toward a solution that prioritizes the individual's safety while respecting their rights to privacy and self-dependency.
Many APS cases result in voluntary compliance, but some may require legal intervention to protect the vulnerable individual.
Recognizing Signs of Elderly Abuse
Often, but not always, there are visible signs of physical abuse, like bruises and other injuries. Other forms of abuse and neglect can have signs as well, like dramatic weight loss or sudden changes in personality or behavior. It could be worth reaching out to the individual in question to have a conversation if you see any indications that they are being abused.
If an elderly person becomes difficult to reach—they stop answering their phone or returning calls and other messages, for example—it could be a cause for concern. Similarly, if they have a caregiver who always claims the individual is unavailable when you try to visit them, it can be a sign that something is not right.
While there could be very valid and innocent reasons for the behaviors mentioned, it's important to remember that abusive situations often do not end until they have been reported. If possible, start by asking questions. If the answers don't make sense, contact the appropriate authorities.
Restraining Orders
A restraining order is a powerful legal tool for protecting elderly individuals from harm by immediately prohibiting one or more individuals from making contact with them. Restraining orders can be issued on an emergency basis if the situation is urgent—a formal hearing will take place later, allowing the restrained person to challenge the restrictions, but the order will remain in effect until then. Violating a restraining order is a criminal offense with serious consequences, including jail time.
A caregiver can request a restraining order to protect an elderly individual from harm. However, if there is no family relationship between the person filing the request and the elderly individual, the caregiver may have to contact local law enforcement to make the request.
The best way to secure a restraining order and protect an elderly individual is to get in touch with the Lento Law Firm Family Law Team. We know how to secure a restraining order in New Jersey, and we'll work quickly to protect an elderly person from abuse, whether that person is yourself or someone you care about.
The Lento Law Firm Family Law Team Can Help Protect Against Elder Abuse in Ocean County
If you suspect that an elderly person is being abused, neglected, or exploited in Ocean County, New Jersey—or if you are an elderly individual facing mistreatment—the Lento Law Firm Family Law Team is here to help. We provide immediate legal support to protect vulnerable individuals, guiding you through New Jersey's available resources and taking swift action to secure a restraining order or otherwise stop the abuse.
Don't wait—call us today at 888.535.3686 or use our online form to schedule a confidential consultation right away!
