June Newsletter
Happy Pride Month!
Pride month is important and we want to shed light on the LGBTQ+ community and its issues. In order to really be allies, we want to talk about the struggles of abuse of elder adults and the LGBTQ+ community. June 15 is World Elder Abuse Day. Elder Abuse is more common than you think. Abuse is a problem that robs seniors of their dignity, security, and sometimes can cost them their lives. “Up to five million older Americans are abused every year, and the annual loss by victims of financial abuse is estimated to be at least $36.5 billion.” (National Council of Aging).
Approximately one in 10 Americans aged 60+ have experienced some form of elder abuse. Some estimates range as high as five million elders who are abused each year. One study estimated that only one in 24 cases of abuse are reported to authorities. (National Council of Aging).
This is why we are proud to be a state-designated APS agency. Through the Illinois Department on Aging, we investigate Abuse, Neglect, Financial Exploitation, and Self-Neglect of individuals 18-59 with a documented disability and anyone 60 and over. We have investigated approximately 400 cases annually, with financial exploitation being the most frequent.
We offer adult protective services free of charge. If you or someone you know may need assistance please call us at 708-447-2448 or the State of Illinois Adult Protective Services at 866-800-1409.
Solutions for Care APS
LGBTQ+ people face many unique challenges as they age because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. According to AARP’s 2018 report “Maintaining Dignity: A Survey of LGBTQ+ Adults Age 45+”:
Of LGBTQ+ older adults, 34% are frightful that they will have to hide their identity to access suitable housing as they age.
The community also struggles with 67% of them being concerned about neglect, 62% being preoccupied with abuse, and 60% being worried about verbal or physical harassment.
Limited access to services or being refused is a concern for 61% of them, and 52% are distressed about being forced to hide or deny their
authentic selves.
These statistics are saddening and seriously concerning. Help us battle to stop abuse by reporting it. Making the world a better and safer place is a DIY project we all have to pitch in.
