Adult Protective Service
According to the U.S Census Bureau, the population of persons 65 and over is projected to increase by more than 30 million people in the next 25 years. The Illinois Department on Aging Adult Protective Services Division reports the incidence of elder abuse, and neglect continues to trend higher each year. Unfortunately, an overwhelming number of cases go unreported and un-addressed.
ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES PROGRAM
Many older adults and persons with disabilities are at serious risk of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation by family members or others who may be close to them. Too often, the abused may be afraid, depressed, or too weak to speak for themselves.
It is critical that anyone who may suspect anything, such as abuse, exploitation, neglect, or significant self-neglect of an older adult or an adult with disabilities, to contact the Illinois 24-hour Senior Helpline.
The Senior Resource Center, serving Stephenson and Jo Daviess Counties, is here to work with local authorities and to serve vulnerable older adults and adults ages 18-59 with disabilities to help address abusive situations and sustain quality of life. Call the Senior Resource Center during business hours, or the hotline, 1-866-800-1409, after business hours.
The Senior Resource Center Adult Protective Services (APS) is an Illinois Department on Aging Provider Agency, utilizing trained and certified case managers who will help address:
- Abuse – Physical, sexual, or emotional mistreatment or willful confinement.
- Neglect – Failure of caregiver to provide an adult with the necessities of life, including but not limited to food, clothing, shelter, or medical care. Neglect may be either passive (non-malicious) or willful deprivation.
- Exploitation – The misuse or withholding of an adult’s resources by another to the disadvantage of the adult for the profit of another.
If you suspect abuse, neglect, significant self-neglect or exploitation, call the Senior Resource Center at 815-235-9777. The law protects the identity of reporters. All reports and cases are confidential, and all cases are client-driven.
Illinois Adult Protective Services
Report abuse of seniors toll-free: 866-800-1409.