Published: July 10, 2008 11:00 am            

July named Elder Abuse Awareness Month

By KANDACE MCCOY

kandace.mccoy@register-news.com

MT. VERNON — Last week, Gov. Rod Blagojevich proclaimed July as Elder Abuse Awareness Month in Illinois, and following that announcement, Mt. Vernon Mayor Mary Jane Chesley signed a proclamation as well.

City officials and representatives from local agencies were on hand Tuesday for the signing of the proclamation at City Hall.

According to information from Henry McGill, Senior Protective Services with the Department of Human Services, it is estimated that as many as 80,000 older adults in Illinois are elder abuse victims.

“The people we serve — 60 years and older — I consider them the most vulnerable and more trusting,” said Mt. Vernon Police Detective Marty Terry, elderly services officer for the city. “They grew up in an era that trusted [anyone]. We’re in an age where you can’t trust everybody. You can’t give out information to people you don’t know. I try to treat them as I want my mother or grandmother treated. That’s who we’re serving — everyone’s mother and grandmother.”

More than 10,000 reports of elder abuse were made during fiscal year 2008, information from Senior Protective Services states, reflecting a 16 percent increase in reporting since the campaign was initiated in 2006.

“Our seniors have the right to be treated with dignity, respect, and to feel safe and secure. Unfortunately, many seniors find themselves victims of abuse and neglect which is unacceptable,” said Blagojevich. “The sooner we know about a case of abuse, the sooner we can put a stop to it. But in order to keep up the fight against abuse and neglect, we need everyone to do their part. If you suspect a case of elder abuse, report it. Elder abuse prevention will help keep thousands of seniors safe each year.”

Elder abuse is defined as neglect, physical injury, mental, sexual or financial exploitation to an adult 60 years of age or older. If you suspect someone is being abused, the following indicators may point to a problem:

n untreated injuries, sprains or dislocations, scratches and cuts;

n sudden changes in behavior and/or withdrawal in social settings;

n a caregiver’s refusal to allow visitors;

n dehydration, malnutrition, poor personal hygiene, untreated health problems, hazardous or unsafe living conditions; and

n sudden changes in bank account or banking practices, the inclusion of additional names on a victim’s bank signature card, unauthorized withdrawal of the victim’s funds using the victim’s ATM or credit card and abrupt changes in a will or other financial documents.

“Elder abuse happens every day, and most often the cases go unreported,” said Illinois Department on Aging Director Charles D. Johnson. “We’re working to raise awareness so victims know there is help. I encourage anyone who is a victim of elder abuse or suspect abuse to call our 24-hour Elder Abuse Hotline so that we can help. No one has to go it alone.”

If you are a victim of elder abuse or suspect an elder is being abused, call the Illinois Department on Aging’s 24-hour Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-800-283-4070. Trained professionals are on call and prepared to take reports of elder abuse and forward them promptly to local senior protective service agencies or law enforcement. All calls and information related to elder abuse are strictly confidential.

        

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