Illinois Launches Campaign to Prevent Abuse of Seniors

The state of Illinois is launching a $2.1 million campaign to prevent abuse, neglect, and exploitation of seniors and adults with disabilities, reports the Associated Press . The Illinois Department on Aging's Office of Adult Protective Services received federal funding for the three-year Engage2Change campaign, which will place ads on TV, online, and in e-mails to encourage people to report suspected abuse of those 60 and older and of disabled adults. Some funds also will be used to train caseworkers and legal professionals. Department of Aging Director Paula Basta said abuse directly dovetails with social isolation, as the COVID-19 pandemic has forced many people to stay in hazardous situations because they have nowhere else to go. The campaign offers information on spotting and reporting suspected abuse and the type of help available. "Victims of abuse or neglect may not be able to call for help because they are not alone or are likely to be overheard," Basta said. "We cannot assume that someone else will report it."