July is Elder Abuse Awareness Month here in Illinois. Elder abuse is an important issue that does not receive as much attention as it should. According to the Illinois Department of Aging, the number of elder abuse cases in our state has been on the rise. Their most recent report notes that there were more than 8,000 cases reported in a single year. Even more disturbingly, 76 percent of the abusers were spouses, children or other family members. To see so many cases of abuse in this great state is simply unacceptable. We need to work to end elder abuse. After living long, productive lives, senior citizens are worthy of our respect. Elder abuse is any action—or neglect—by a caregiver or other person that could result in serious harm to a vulnerable elderly person. It can range from obvious physical, sexual, or emotional abuse to acts of neglect, such as not providing adequate food, clothing, shelter or medical care. Indications of physical abuse—like bruises or burns—are obvious, but a great deal of elder abuse is not physical. In other cases, one of the most tell-tale signs is a sudden change in behavior or financial situation. If an elderly person you know suddenly withdraws from normal activities, becomes depressed or is not as alert as usual, you should consider the possibility that he or she is being abused. Unfortunately, financial abuse—usually an adult child misusing a parent’s money—is one of the most common types of abuse, and it is among the most difficult to recognize. If you suspect an elderly person is being abused, there are several steps you can take. Of course, if you believe the person’s life or well-being is in immediate danger, you should call 911. If it is a more long-term problem, you still have several choices. If you think the possible victim will talk to you about the problem, you may try to broach the subject with him or her. Keep in mind that many elderly people would rather suffer in silence than admit there is a problem—especially if it involves a family member. The other option is to contact the authorities. If the vulnerable senior is in a nursing home or other care plan and you do not suspect that its administration is part of the abuse, you can start there. If you believe the nursing home or agency management is part of the problem or if the senior lives without any official aid, you can always contact the police. You can also call the Illinois Department on Aging at 1-866-800-1409. If you do report a case of elder abuse, the police may have some questions about why you believe the senior citizen is being abused. You should be prepared to describe abusive situations you have witnessed and explain about the person’s health and family situation.

If you do nothing else, please keep in mind that elder abuse is a serious problem. Between four and five percent of Americans over 60 are subject to some form of elder abuse. I am doing what I can in the legislature—I helped co-sponsor a bill requiring the state to issue “silver alerts,” which are similar to “amber alerts” only for missing seniors. However, the best way to detect and prevent elder abuse is to spend time with senior citizens and work to take care of them.