Elder Abuse and Protective Services Program

Elder Abuse can be physical, financial, emotional, passive neglect, willful deprivation, confinement or sexual abuse.

Anyone can report Elder Abuse. All information regarding the report is completely confidential.

What are the signs of Elder Abuse?

These conditions may indicate physical abuse:

• Injury that hasn’t been cared for and has unusual circumstances
• Pain on touching, cuts, lacerations or puncture wounds
• Bruises, welts and discoloration and/or presence of old and new bruises at the same time
• Dehydration or malnourishment or weight loss that isn’t due to illness
• Pallor or poor skin hygiene, sunken eyes or cheeks, absence of hair or hemorrhaging below scalp, eye problems or retinal detachment

Evidence of inadequate care

• Soiled clothing or bed linen
• Burns
• Signs of confinement
• Lack of bandages or stitches when necessary or evidence of unset broken bones

These conditions may indicate financial exploitation:

• Someone with access to an older adult’s money appears to use the funds for himself or herself rather than for the older person, resulting in many unpaid bills or overdue rent, for example
• An older adult does not have adequate food, clothing or personal care items when there appears to be enough money
• An older person is grossly overcharged for residence or services
• An older person loans large sums of money with no arrangement for repayment
• An older person complains of deception or theft of property funds

Behavioral Indicators:

• Fear, withdrawal, depression, helplessness, resignation, hesitation to talk openly or implausible stories
• Confusion, disorientation or contradictory statements not due to mental dysfunction
• Anger, denial, non-responsiveness, agitation or anxiety

Indicators of Abuse by Family or Caregiver:

• The caregiver does not allow the older adult to speak for themselves or to see others without the caregiver present
• Lack of assistance, attitudes of indifference or anger toward victim
• Family member blames the older adult (such as for incontinence)
• Aggressive behavior toward the older adult (threats, insults or harassment)
• Previous history of abuse to others
• Withholds of security or affection
• Problems with alcohol, drugs or mental illness
• Family or older person is socially isolated
• Conflicting accounts of incidents by family, supporters and victim
• Unwillingness or reluctance to comply with the care plan

How do I Make a Referral?

Call 309-277-0167 or 800-798-0988

What Happens When I Call?

All referrals are confidential. You will be asked to provide the name, address, age and phone number of the victim and if possible, the name, address, phone number and age of the alleged abuser(s). You will be asked to describe the circumstances – what is occurring. You will be asked if there are any others with information. You will be asked for your name and phone number, however the information is kept confidential.