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Knox County agencies report rising elder exploitation, describe services and March 20 education event
Summary
Job & Family Services and the Area Agency on Aging told commissioners that adult protective services received 345 referrals in 2025 (258 opened) and warned exploitation is increasing; they described levy-funded supports and announced a March 20 public education event at the First Church of the Nazarene.
Job & Family Services Director Scott Boon and Area Agency on Aging staff told the Knox County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 26 that adult protective services handled 345 referrals in 2025, 258 of which were opened for investigation, and that exploitation of older adults is increasing in the region.
"We've seen 345 total referrals in 2025," Richard Maker, supervisor for Adult Protective Services, told the board. He said 258 of those referrals resulted in an investigator visit and 17 were handled as information-only referrals. Speakers said some allegations were not validated but often uncovered other needs that required service connections.
Presenters described using levy funds and community partnerships to provide targeted supports to older residents: payments for utilities, hotel stays to avoid homelessness, home repairs and cleanings, extermination for bed-bug or cockroach infestations, and assistance replacing appliances. They cited work with Habitat for Humanity and a local organization called Station Break as examples of collaborative solutions.
Officials said investigators escalate matters to law enforcement when there is potential criminality or safety risk and can pursue other legal steps when concerns about decisional capacity arise. When concerns are noncriminal (for example, neglect without immediate criminal indicators), staff may investigate under Ohio Administrative Code provisions and use county legal support when court action is considered.
Speakers emphasized prevention through outreach and social connection. They urged older residents and caregivers to use senior centers, farmers markets and other community programming to reduce isolation and to attend targeted education about scams and newer practices such as "wholesaling," where sellers' tactics can leave older owners vulnerable to losing homes.
The agencies announced a public education event on March 20 at the First Church of the Nazarene in Mount Vernon; doors open at 11:00 a.m., box lunches will be provided by Lanning's, and organizers asked attendees to register to help with head counts. Presenters said they aim for roughly 100 attendees and encouraged county staff to share the information on social media.
Commissioners thanked the agencies for their work and for the financial support provided by the senior levy; several members noted the county's aging population and the importance of proactive supports to help older residents remain in their homes.
