Elder Abuse, Neglect and Financial Exploitation Illinois Department on Aging

Aging Network State Units on Aging Area Agencies on Aging Aging Provider Agencies

Department on Aging Elder Abuse Program Administrative Overview Social Services Program Administered by the Department on Aging through Area Agencies on Aging 45 local provider agencies Statewide since 1991 Serves anyone 60 and over do not have to be disabled

Elder Abuse Program Purpose Work with and on behalf of older persons to investigate reports of alleged abuse, to intervene to prevent further mistreatment, and to allow the older person to remain independent to the maximum degree possible.

Elder Abuse: Types of Abuse Abuse - Physical (22%) - Emotional (43%) - Sexual (5%) - Confinement (8%) Neglect -Passive (39%) - Willful (11%) Financial Exploitation (58%) Note: Abuse can be criminal or not Statistics from FY06

Elder Abuse Program Victims and Abusers Typical victim: 79 year old woman with multiple impairments Typical abuser: adult son with substance abuse and financial problems Victims: 70% women / 30% men Abusers: 51% male and 49% female

Elder Abuse: Abuser Types Well-intentioned; overstressed Well-intentioned; incapable Self-centered; lacks concern Abusive; tries to control others Sadistic; enjoys hurting others Based on findings by Holly Ramsey-Klawsnik, Ph.D.

Criteria for Cases Person is 60 or older Abuse occurs in domestic setting Allegations met definitions of abuse Abuse is by a third party

Elder Abuse Program Self-Determination Persons 60 & over are adults State can intervene over objections only where person cant function 5% of persons over 60 have dementia Increases to 50% at age 85+ Increases vulnerability Limited mandatory reporting with immunity & confidentiality. Anonymous accepted.

Elder Abuse Program Services Services Provided: -Intake -Comprehensive Assessment -Case Plan and Interventions -Follow-up Monitoring -M-Teams 9,191 reports per year 60% substantiated

Court Petitions Elder abuse agencies in court most often on guardianship petitions. Often contested by abuser. May petition for access to conduct assessment May be involved with orders of protection, criminal prosecution, or civil suits to recover assets

Elder Abuse: Where it occurs Community settings: - Private homes - Retirement settings Facilities: - Nursing homes - Shelter care homes

Elder Abuse: Human Services State Agency Responsibilities Department on Aging: - Responds to all community settings - Most abusers family members - Ombudsman Program helps long term care facility residents with facility, family, etc. Department of Public Health: - Licenses & investigates complaints in all long term care facilities. - Abusers are paid caregivers

Law Enforcement Responsibilities Illinois State Police: - Do criminal investigations in all long term care facilities certified for Medicaid - Cooperate with local law enforcement & the Dept. of Public Health Local law enforcement: - Investigate criminal activity in community and in facilities

Elder Abuse Program Working with Law Enforcement Receive reports Refer cases: or (TTY) Share information Assist with access issuesL.E. Serve on M-Team Serve on Triad Conduct joint investigations

Report Elder Abuse or (TTY)