By Joyce DeRenzy, Director of Adult Protective Services, The Center for Prevention of Abuse
At first glance, one would assume that Sam and Joe had nothing in common. Sam, just 21, was single, legally blind, and physically impaired. He hadn’t traveled much outside of his state. Joe, at 80, had lots of stories to tell about a life well lived, including his experiences serving in the military defending his country. But what neither would tell anyone was the story of abuse that was happening to each of them by someone they knew, loved, and trusted. In the case of Joe, his daughter had taken complete control of his money. Some months he barely had enough money for food and certainly no money to go out with his last two remaining best friends. Sam, because of his disabilities, relied on a trusted caregiver to take him to his medical appointments. The caregiver caused him to miss his last three appointments and his prescription for his diabetes medication was nearly expired. Without medication, he would lose the independence he fought so hard to gain. Joe had fought for independence and freedom for all of us and Sam fought daily to be independent, proving that his lack of vision didn’t define him, but both men were now at a loss how to fight the abuse against them.
Elder abuse and abuse of adults with disabilities is often a well-kept secret. The victims are reluctant to talk for fear of retaliation or institutional placement if the caregiver is removed. Many times the abuser is able to convince the victim that the abuse is his/her fault, and that no one would believe their claims.
Adult Protective Services (APS) caseworkers not only investigate allegations of abuse, they serve as advocates for the adult, arranging services that promote the least restrictive environment. Services such as in home health, caregiver support, respite, adult day care, counseling and support groups are instrumental in ensuring that seniors and adults with disabilities can continue to live independently and safely.
The APS department of The Center for Prevention of Abuse responds to allegations of abuse in Peoria, Tazewell, Fulton, Marshall, Stark, and Woodford Counties. Last year, trained caseworkers responded to over 700 new reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
A person need only suspect that abuse may be occurring in order to make a report. All reports are confidential and the identity of the reporter is not revealed. There is no excuse for abuse to be silent. Be the voice. Make the call for someone who can’t.
Our mission at The Center for Prevention of Abuse is to help all people — women, men, and children — to live free from violence and abuse. For more information, visit www.centerforpreventionofabuse.org, call 309-637-3905, Adult Protective Services, or call the 24-hour toll-free hotline 1-866-800-1409.
Warning Signs of Elder Abuse
Physical Abuse: Slap marks, unexplained bruises, injuries that haven’t been properly treated, dehydration, malnourishment or weight loss without medical explanation
Neglect: Pressure ulcers, filth, lack of medical care, soiled clothing or bed, left in own waste
Emotional Abuse: Withdrawal from normal activities, unexplained changes in alertness or other unusual behavioral changes, threats to place the adult in the nursing home, name-calling
Sexual Abuse: Bruises around the breasts or genital area and unexplained sexually transmitted diseases, any sexual activity with an adult who is unable to understand or give consent
Financial Abuse/Exploitation: Sudden change in finances and accounts, altered wills and trusts, unusual bank withdrawals, checks written as “loans” or “gifts,” and loss of property