Question about APS in Ohio?

APS like most agencies are understaffed. It took nearly three months to get the verification that this was an unsubstantiated abuse report. All the sissies got was the case had been closed.

Be kind of glad this happened. Now you have it on record with APS that ur taking good care of Mom. Now, any further allegations maybe taken with a grain of salt. Like said, APS may still come to the house because its mandatory. I would think APS has some kind of recourse when it comes to dealing with false claims.

You really can't sue an agency that is just doing their job. They get a complaint, they must investigate.

Now "Shirley" in this article. Her attitude is not something you spend money to sue. But I would be talking to her Supervisor and if they did nothing continuing up the ladder. When Shirley found there was no case both the person who complained and the person investigated should have received formal letters saying that no abuse was found and the case has been closed. I would think there is a time-line in place where this needs to be done. I realized that these SWs are overworked but there are steps that need to be followed. Really, there are form letters. And not returning a call is unacceptable. Shirley should be reprimanded for not following thru.

So glad that all went well with you. APS is the ones who will stop them from further complaints. That team will be responsible for calls in your area and you are now on file as giving good care. Further calls will be turned away almost certainly. If not, just welcome visits, offer a cup of coffee and explain. I am so sorry that instead of getting good family support you are being accused, but unfortunately you are not alone.

Interesting, Barb. It is a good article but it tells people to contact a family law attorney. Then in the closing of the article says to contact an elder law attorney which is correct. A family law attorney would have no idea what to do with something like this.

The same thing happened to me. When APS visited I was told that they love cases like this, where the elder is well cared for. They see so many that are bad situations.

What APS did here, after the first investigation, was document to the file that it is a dysfunctional family situation. Regardless, whenever they get a call on a possible case they are required, by law, to visit within three days, sooner if it is a life threatening issue.

I would just leave it alone. Family members may still call in reports. What can you do? Call your state legislators to request a law be into place about false reporting. In the last couple of years my state has passed a law making these false reports felonies. Those reports take valuable and scarce resources out of the picture for awhile risking injury to those that really need the assistance.

I'm not sure but maybe you can record conversations.
Installing baby cams may help.
Put up signs that warn that there are surveillance cameras inside the home.

The world is full of creeps. Have 'em in my family too.

Don't waste brain cells on getting even with these people. APS won't do anything now that they know who's the troublemaker in the family.

Focus on Grandma and move on.

Check out this very comprehensive article:

https://www.findlaw.com/elder/elder-abuse/can-i-sue-adult-protective-services--aps--.html

Ypu would have to consult an attorney but I honestly think I would cost you more than it is worth.
I think the satisfaction you have gotten in APS confirming that you have done a good job and they closed the case is worth more. And if they continue to file false reports APS may have something to say about it.