KANKAKEE—The years of one’s life after reaching 60 are often referred to as the “golden years.” Unfortunately, for some seniors, those years are anything but golden as a result of elder abuse. While it may take on many forms, the U.S. Administration on Aging defines it as “any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult.”
The state of Illinois addresses elder abuse in regard to the mistreatment of adults over 60 years old through its Elder Abuse and Neglect Program. Illinois reported that there were 3.91 reports of alleged abuse for every 1,000 adults over the age of 60 in the 2004 Survey of Adult Protective Services sponsored by the National Center on Elder Abuse.
