Abuse is the willful infliction of injury, unreasonable confinement, intimidation, or cruel punishment with resulting physical harm, pain or mental anguish; Or the deprivation by a person, including a caregiver, of goods or services that are necessary to avoid physical harm, mental anguish, or mental illness.
Exploitation is the use of an individuals resources by another person, to the disadvantage of that individual or for the advantage of another person, other than that of the individual.

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The Illinois Elder Abuse and Neglect Act became law in 1988 and called for the state to address the problem of domestic elder abuse.
As a result, the Elder Abuse and Neglect
Program was implemented under the direction of the Illinois Department on Aging (IDOA).
This statewide program was established to respond to reports of alleged elder abuse, neglect and exploitation and to work with the older victims in resolving abusive situations
July 1, 2013 Elder Abuse became Adult
Protective Services.
. On

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Everyone is encouraged to report abuse!
Certain professionals are MANDATED BY
LAW to report suspected cases if the individual is unable to report for themselves:
Social Service staff Educators
Licensed Professionals Law Enforcement
Formal Caregivers
State, County, local government

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Financial Exploitation
◦ Misusing an older or disabled persons’ money or resources for the personal gain of another
◦ Exerting undue influence-this includes the use of emotional tactics such as inducing guilt, shame, or anxiety to convince an older adult or disabled person to make changes to a will for the personal gain of the abuser.
◦ Stealing money or property

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A gap between income and lifestyle
Individual has no knowledge of their finances
Unusual activity in bank accounts
Unpaid bills despite adequate resources
Caregiver or family is evasive about the financial arrangements.

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Emotional Abuse - actions intended to compel an eligible adult to engage in conduct a person wants to abstain or prevention of conduct wished to engage.
◦ Threats
◦ Destruction of Property
◦ Humiliation
◦ Verbal Assaults
◦ Harassment
◦ Intimidation

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Physical Abuse is causing the infliction of physical pain or injury to an eligible adult.
◦ Assault
◦ Battery
◦ Hitting
◦ Slapping
◦ Pulling Hair
◦ Burning
◦ Over Medicating

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Bruises and other physical injuries
Bilateral injuries
Injuries at various healing stages
Over or under medicated
Dehydration
Malnutrition

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Confinement – restraining or isolating an individual for reasons other than medically necessary.
◦ Denies access to phone/mail
◦ Controls activities of individual
◦ Limits time the individual spends with loved ones

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Passive Neglect
◦ Failure of the caregiver to provide for the basic needs of the older adult, including food, medicine, shelter, clothing, etc……….
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Willful Neglect
◦ Intentional failure of the caregiver to provide for the basic needs of the older adult, including food, medicine, shelter, clothing, etc……………..

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Leaving a dependent adult alone
Unsanitary or hazardous conditions
Inadequate food
Malnutrition
Inappropriate clothing for the weather
Utilities turned off

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Sexual Abuse
◦ Any non-consensual sexual conduct
◦ Any sexual activity with a person who is unable to understand or give consent
◦ Any sexual act committed under threat of harm
◦ Any forced sexual act

Behavior Signs
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Expression of fear around males
Withdrawn or sexualized behavior
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Refusing to cooperate with normal routine
Physical Signs
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Genitals or anal area bruised
Vaginal or anal bleeding
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Swelling or redness of genital area
Venereal Disease

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Victim 18 – 59 years of age with a disability or
A senior 60 +
Victim resides in a domestic setting
Alleged Abuse has occurred within the past 12 months
Alleged abuse must be caused by someone other than the victim
Reporter must name an abuser

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The report taker shall attempt to secure all the information on the ANE Intake
Form.
◦ Alleged victims name, address, age, phone number.
◦ If the APS case worker can contact the reporter for further information.
◦ The reason the reporter has a concern.
◦ Any knowledge the reporter has regarding any risk of harm to the alleged victim.

‒ Knowledge the reporter may have about any danger the case worker might have.
‒ Knowledge the reporter may have about the mental and physical condition of the alleged victim and alleged abuser.
‒ The identity and location of possible witnesses
‒ Directions to any rural route, apartment number or other address.
‒ If the reporter is a mandated report.

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Priority I = Serious Physical Harm or
Immediate Danger
◦ Caseworker must respond within 24 hours
Priority II = Less Serious Consequences than Priority I
◦ Caseworker must respond within 72 hours
Priority III = Emotional Abuse, Financial
Exploitation with no Immediate threat
◦ Caseworker has 7 days to respond.

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Fearful
Withdrawn
Hesitant to talk
Depressed
Helpless
Confused and/or disoriented
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Angry
Explanations of injuries do not make sense
Denial
Non-Responsive
Agitated/ anxious

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Doesn’t allow the victim to speak for themselves
Lack of assistance
Attitudes of indifference or anger toward victim
Aggressive Behavior
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Substance Abuse
Mental Illness
Gives conflicting accounts of incidents
Non-Compliance with plan of care
Blames victim

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Protect individuals from abuse, neglect, and exploitation
Report any suspicions of abuse, you can remain anonymous
Help people stay in their homes
Report any concerns to
1-866-800-1409
Visit IDOA website for more information

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In July of 2013 the Adult Protective
Services Act was established. It expanded the Illinois Elder Abuse and Neglect Act to include disabled individuals ages 18 –
59, as well as, individuals 60 years of age and older.