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Thousands of older persons suffer from abuse and neglect, as well as financial exploitation, usually at the hands of caregivers and hidden from the eyes of the community. Victims are very often helpless to protect themselves, and only a small percentage of cases are ever reported.
In Illinois last year, more than 7,000 older adults experienced abuse. Three-fourths of the victims of elder abuse in Illinois are women with an average age of 79.
Any person over 60 can be victim of elder abuse. Those most at risk are physically or mentally impaired older adults dependent on another person for care and assistance.
Types of Elder Abuse
Elder abuse includes:
- Physical abuse - rough handling, slapping, hitting.
- Emotional abuse - insults, threats, calling names.
- Sexual abuse - forced sexual intimacy.
- Financial exploitation - forced signing over of property or money (ex. Social Security checks, pension checks, bank accounts).
- Neglect - withholding food, medical care, basic necessities of life, social contact; forceful confinement or restraint.
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Reporting Elder Abuse
Any person may report suspected elder abuse to local elder abuse intervention agencies or to the Illinois Department on Aging weekdays at 1-800-252-8966 or after business hours and on the weekends and holidays at 1-800-279-0400. Reports are confidential and you can remain anonymous.
If you would like more information about preventing elder abuse click here. |
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A wide range of professionals and state employees are required by the Elder Abuse and Neglect Act to report elder abuse where the older person is unable to self-report. The reporting requirement is limited to older persons the professional sees when they are carrying out their professional duties.
| Elder Abuse in Nursing Homes
Elder abuse in nursing homes is a special type of abuse since residents are often unable to call for help or are fearful of retaliation. This type of abuse, therefore, is highly underreported.
Abuse in a nursing home means any physical injury, sexual abuse, or mental injury inflicted on a resident other than by accidental means in a long-term care facility.
Neglect in nursing home means a failure in a long term care facility to provide adequate medical or personal care or maintenance, which failure results in physical or mental injury to a resident or in the deterioration of a resident's physical or mental condition.
Reporting Nursing Home Abuse
Any person may call and report nursing home abuse and neglect. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is the investigating agency for the "Abused and Neglected Long Term Care Facility Residents Reporting Act." Call the Illinois Department of Public Health toll-free number (1-800-252-4343) 24 hour hotline to report abuse or neglect in a facility. A report to law enforcement may also be appropriate.
The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program also takes reports of abuse and neglect in both nursing homes and licensed assisted living facilities.
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