June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

What is elder abuse? The most common forms of elder abuse are financial exploitation, emotional abuse, and neglect. Each of those terms include a variety of actions that may constitute abuse. To learn more about forms of elder abuse, visit: https://acl.gov/programs/elder-justice/what-elder-abuse

• If someone is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.

If the danger is not immediate, but you suspect that abuse has occurred or is occurring, please report your concern.

• If the elder or disabled adult is living in the community you can make an anonymous report to Adult Protective Services by calling 1-866-800-1409

For more information about Adult Protective Services and what happens to your report, visit: https://www2.illinois.gov/aging/ProtectionAdvocacy/pages/abuse_reporting.aspx

You may suspect that a family member, friend, or neighbor is experiencing abuse. If you are concerned, you have options:

• If the elder lives in a nursing home,contact your local long term care Ombudsman by calling the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Nursing Home Complaint Hotline: 1-800-252-4343.
• For residents of Supportive Living Facilities (SLFs), call the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services’ SLF Complaint Hotline: 1-800-226-0768.

If you aren’t sure where to call, visit the Eldercare Locator online or call 800-677-1116

If you think you may need legal assistance, go to pslegal.org and click the Apply for Help button or call your local office.