Safety
AROUND YOUR HOME

Are these the golden years?

Rebecca Douglas

There are over 2 million people over the age of 60 in Illinois, more of us in the golden years than ever before. And yet for some, these years are not as golden as we like to think. Many older adults are unable to live their final years in peace and dignity because they suffer at the hands of others.

How serious is the problem of elder abuse? According to the Illinois Department on Aging (see Commentary on page 4), an elderly person is abused, neglected or exploited every seven minutes in Illinois. More than half of these reports involve financial exploitation followed by emotional abuse and neglect. Physical and sexual abuse also are involved in about 29 percent of reports. The victims are most often over the age of 75 and usually women. While we don't want to think about it, the abusers are usually members of the family. Three out of four abusers are the spouse, child or other relative.

Most of us are asking, "How can this happen? Who would mistreat their own mother?" The answers are complicated of course. Sometimes abuse or neglect takes place because the spouse or children are unable to care for an ailing and increasingly needy elder. Perhaps they have health problems of their own, or do not have the skills and patience needed. Family members can be overwhelmed by the demands of taking care of a chronically ill or confused older person. Over half of abusers are caregivers to the elders, and only a small percentage are paid (16 percent).

Most often, the cause is money. Most older persons have income, and have often been providing income for other family members. Family members, often-adult sons, who have drug and alcohol abuse problems will exploit aging parents for money. Most abusers are family members who are financially dependent on the older person. Sometimes, elder abuse is family violence grown old.

The abuse of our elders is a well kept secret in many families and communities, yet there are steps we can take to prevent and stop this from happening. Every county in Illinois has an agency designated to serve as the elderly abuse agency. When you suspect that someone is being neglected, exploited or abused, you can call this number: (800) 252-8966. The call will be in complete confidence and persons who make reports in good faith cannot be prosecuted for reporting. The people at this number can connect you with the local Elder Abuse and Neglect Program.

The goal of the Elder Abuse and Neglect Program is to respond to reports and work with the older person to resolve the situation. These programs offer services such as: food, clothing, legal assistance, medical care, respite care, housekeeping services, adult day care and housing assistance.

One of the most important principles of the program is the belief that the abused elder has the right to decide what will happen. The older person is involved in the development of plans and options available. Community based services are recommended rather than institutions. Often, fear of nursing home placement is greater than fear of abuse. Families are given support, and, while agencies must be direct in seeking solutions, there is an effort to avoid seeking blame. The agency respects the older person's right to privacy; therefore, information will only be shared with permission. The older person comes first, and his or her safety is the foremost concern.

While elder abuse is a concern in all communities, it is possible to do something to help. Let others know about the services that are available. Share the phone number with a friend. Make the call you need to make.

Rebecca Douglas is an extension educator, Family Life, at the Springfield Extension Center.

14 ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING JULY 1998