Illinois Recognizes Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Illinois Recognizes Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Department on Aging encourages everyone to learn the warning signs and report abuse


SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – June 15 is Elder Abuse Awareness Day. With reports of elder abuse on the rise in Illinois since 2022, Department on Aging (IDoA) Director Mary Killough, is reminding community members to learn the warning signs and speak up about suspected abuse of older adults.


“We must stand together to protect the dignity, safety, and respect every older adult deserves,” said IDoA Director Mary Killough. “Abuse, neglect and exploitation are not just private matters, they are community concerns. If you see something, say something. Let’s honor our elders by listening, supporting and speaking up. Together, we can make Illinois a safer place for all generations.”


Elder abuse is characterized as an act causing any physical, mental or sexual injury to an older adult, including exploitation of their financial resources and abandonment. The term also applies to actions that create an environment in which harm could be expected, including harm to an older adult's health, physical and/or emotional well-being, or welfare.


While pre-pandemic sources estimated approximately one in 10 Americans age 60 and older have experienced some form of elder abuse, a more recent study found that one in five older adults reported elder abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic. The trauma of elder abuse can result in serious consequences, including physical and mental health issues, loss of social and familial relationships, financial hardship and more.


Notably, financial exploitation remains the most frequently reported abuse type in Illinois, making up approximately one-quarter of all reports. The Illinois General Assembly passed legislation this spring to help stop financial exploitation at the source—before any money changes hands and can no longer be recovered. The bill currently awaits Governor Pritzker’s signature.


When financial exploitation or other abuse is believed to be occurring, Illinois' Adult Protective Services (APS) program conducts an investigation and may offer assistance to victims. Last year, APS agencies received more than 19,000 reports of potential elder abuse in Illinois, along with around 4,000 reports of potential abuse of adults younger than 60 with physical or developmental disabilities.


Anyone can report abuse of an older adult or person with a disability who lives in the community by calling Illinois' 24-hour APS hotline at 866-800-1409 or 711 (for Telecommunications Relay Service for persons with hearing or speech disabilities). When making a report to APS, callers should be prepared to provide the name and location of the alleged victim and details regarding the alleged abuse. APS reports are confidential, and reporters may choose to remain anonymous. Once a report is received and screened, APS provider agencies coordinate an in-person response, seven days per week, to evaluate the risk of harm to the older adult and to provide immediate interventions if needed.


If an older adult is in immediate, life-threatening danger, call 911. To report suspected abuse in a long-term care facility, contact a long-term care ombudsman or, for nursing homes specifically, call the Illinois Department of Public Health's nursing home hotline at 800-252-4343.


Signs of potential elder abuse may include unexplained injuries, behavioral changes, such as becoming emotionally upset or withdrawn, unsafe or unsanitary living conditions, and sudden changes in an older adult's bank accounts or banking practices. A more comprehensive list of warning signs is available from the U.S. Department of Justice.


To raise awareness of elder abuse, its warning signs and prevention efforts, Gov. JB Pritzker has issued a proclamation designating June 15 as Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Illinois. IDoA has also issued a 30-second public service announcement, available in English and Spanish, for Illinois radio stations to promote Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The audio cuts can be found at https://cms.illinois.gov/agency/media/radio/psa.html.


About IDoA: IDoA serves and advocates for older Illinoisans and their caregivers by administering quality and culturally appropriate programs that promote partnerships and encourage independence, dignity, and quality of life. For information about the Department’s programs and services for older adults and persons with disabilities, visit https://ilaging.illinois.gov/ or contact the Senior HelpLine toll-free at 1-800-252-8966, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.


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