The 2009 United States Census shows that 12.4 percent of the Illinois population was 65 years of age or older. In Illinois, an estimated 76,000 persons over age 60 suffered from elder abuse, but the state of Illinois reported receiving only 10,583 elder abuse reports during 2008. The 2008 Illinois Elder Abuse and Neglect Program Annual Report, Demographics reveals that of reported cases of abuse in Illinois that year: almost one in four victims are age 86 or older, the most common report received involved financial exploitation followed closely by emotional abuse, 77% of abusers were either the spouse, child, or other relative, and 70% of the victims were female. Every year, tens of thousands of …show more content…
Behavioral indicators of Client include withdrawn, depressed, resigned, and helpless; hesitates to talk openly; gives implausible stories about injuries or events; denies problems; appears fearful of caregiver or family member; and has lost touch with family and friends other than caregiver or alleged abuser.
At first, one may not recognize or take seriously signs of elder abuse. They may appear to be symptoms of dementia or signs of the elderly person’s frailty - or the caregiver may lead one to believe it is. In fact, many of the signs and symptoms of elder abuse are very similar to those of mental deterioration, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be reported. If elderly abuse is suspected but the uncertain, look for a collection of the behavior and physical signs. The signs and symptoms of specific types of abuse are as follows:
Physical …show more content…
The Program provides investigation, intervention and follow-up services to victims of elderly abuse.
The Act provides extensive protections to all reporters, whether voluntary or mandated. Anyone who makes an elder abuse report in good faith is exempt from civil and criminal liability as well as any professional disciplinary action. These same protections are provided to any person who provides information, records or services related to a report. The law prohibits any retaliation by an employer against any employee who makes a good faith report of abuse, who is or will be a witness, or who will testify in any investigation or proceeding concerning a report of elder abuse. A reporter’s name may remain anonymous unless a written consent from the reporter or a court order is