Elder
Abuse Network
What is elder abuse?
Elder abuse is a term referring to any negligent act by a caregiver or any
other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable older
adult. Illinois law defines abuse, neglect and exploitation as:
- Physical abuse means inflicting physical pain or injury
upon an older adult.
- Sexual abuse means touching, fondling, intercourse or
any other sexual activity with an older adult, when the older adult is
unable to understand, unwilling to consent, threatened or physically
forced.
- Emotional abuse means verbal assaults, threats of
abuse, harassment or intimidation.
- Confinement means restraining or isolating an older
adult, other than for medical reasons.
- Passive neglect is a caregiver’s failure to provide an
older adult with life’s necessities, including, but not limited to, food,
clothing, shelter or medical care.
- Willful deprivation means denying an older adult
medication, medical care, shelter, food, a therapeutic device or other
physical assistance, and exposing that person to the risk of physical,
mental or emotional harm — except when the older, competent adult has
expressed a desire to go without such care.
- Financial exploitation means the misuse or withholding
of an older adult’s resources by another.
What
are the warning signs of elder abuse?
- Bruises, pressure marks, broken bones, abrasions and
burns may be an indication of physical abuse, neglect or mistreatment.
- Unexplained withdrawal from normal activities, a sudden
change in alertness and unusual depression may be indicators of emotional
abuse.
- Sudden changes in financial situations.
- Bedsores, unattended medical needs, poor hygiene and
unusual weight loss are indicators of possible neglect.
- Behavior such as belittling, threats and other uses of
power and control by individuals are indicators of verbal or emotional
abuse.
- Strained or tense relationships, frequent arguments
between the caregiver and older adult are also signs of emotional abuse.
What makes an older adult vulnerable to abuse?
Social isolation and mental impairment (such as dementia or Alzheimer’s
disease) are two factors that may make an older adult more vulnerable to abuse.
But, in some situations, studies show that living with someone else (a
caregiver or a friend) may increase the chances for abuse to occur. A history
of domestic violence may also make an older adult more susceptible to abuse.
Who are the abusers of older adults?
Abusers of older adults are both women and men. Family members are more often
the abusers than any other group. Data show that adult children were the most
common abusers.
Are there criminal penalties for the abusers?
Illinois has increased penalties for those who victimize older adults.
Increasingly, across the country, law enforcement officers and prosecutors are
trained on elder abuse and ways to use criminal and civil laws to bring abusers
to justice.
How many people are suffering from elder abuse?
It’s difficult to say how many older Americans are abused, neglected or
exploited, in large part because surveillance is limited and the problem
remains greatly hidden. Findings from the often cited National Elder Abuse
Incidence Study suggest that more than 500,000 Americans 60 and over were
victims of domestic abuse in 1996. This study also found that only 16 percent
of the abusive situations are referred for help — 84 percent remain hidden.
How does a person make an elder abuse report?
Anyone who suspects that an older adult is being mistreated should call the
Department on Aging elder abuse hotline at (866) 800-1409 (Voice) or (888)
206-1327 (TTY). You also may call your local elder abuse provider agency. To
find a local provider visit www.state.il.us/aging/1directory/elder_abuse.pdf.
Elder abuse and neglect program services are provided through local agencies
that are designated by the Area Agency on Aging and the Department on Aging.
All elder abuse caseworkers are trained and certified by the department
What agencies respond to elder abuse, neglect and financial
exploitation?
Illinois Department on Aging
Statewide Elder Abuse Hotline
(866) 800-1409 (Voice)
(888) 206-1327 (TTY)
The Elder Abuse Hotline in Illinois can be accessed in-state and out-of-state.
Nationwide, you can reach the elder care locator at (800) 677-1116. Specially
trained operators will refer you to a local agency for help. The elder care
locator is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time.
How can elder abuse be prevented?
Educating seniors, professionals, caregivers and the public on abuse is
critical to prevention. On an individual level keeping safe includes:
- Take care of your health.
- Seek professional help for drug, alcohol and depression
concerns, and urge family members to get help for these problems.
- Attend support groups for spouses and learn about
domestic violence services.
- Plan for your own future. With a power of attorney or a
living will, health care decisions can be addressed to avoid confusion and
family problems in advance. Seek independent advice from someone you trust
before signing any documents.
- Stay active in the community and connected with friends
and family. This will decrease social isolation, which has been connected
to elder abuse.
- Post and open your own mail.
- Don’t give personal information over the phone.
- Use direct deposit for all checks.
- Have your own phone.
- Review your will periodically.
- Know your rights. If you engage the services of a paid
or family caregiver, you have the right to voice your preferences and
concerns. If you live in a nursing home, call your Long Term Care
Ombudsman. The Ombudsman is your advocate and has the power to intervene.
