SPRINGFIELD – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today launched the fourth annual statewide “Break the Silence” campaign and proclaimed July as Elder Abuse Awareness Month in Illinois. The Governor and the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) are encouraging those who are victims or suspect abuse to call the state’s 24-hour Elder Abuse Hotline at (866) 800-1409, where trained professionals are on call prepared to assist. More than 10,000 reports of elder abuse were made during FY 08, which reflects a 16 percent increase in reporting since the campaign was initiated.
“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 Gov. 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.”
It is estimated as many as 80,000 older adults in Illinois are elder abuse victims. 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:
- Untreated injuries, sprains or dislocations, scratches and cuts·
- Sudden changes in behavior and/or withdrawal in social settings·
- A caregiver’s refusal to allow visitors·
- Dehydration, malnutrition, poor personal hygiene, untreated health problems, hazardous or unsafe living conditions; and
- 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.
THEREFORE, I, Rod R. Blagojevich, Governor of the State of Illinois, do hereby proclaim July 2008 as ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS MONTH in Illinois, and encourage all citizens to recognize this crisis and join in working toward its prevention.
AbridgedSOURCE: IllinoisGov
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