elder abuse

The Center serves persons over the age of 60 who may be victims of violence. It provides support to persons over the age of 60 who may be victims of abuse, neglect, or exploitation in Fulton, Marshall, Peoria, Stark, Tazewell, and Woodford Counties of Central Illinois.

Through the work of five different programs, SeniorStrength works to make seniors safer in Central Illinois.

Elder Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation Program

  • Trained intake workers are available on a 24 hour basis to accept reports of abuse, neglect or exploitation made by anyone who suspects or is experiencing abuse, neglect or exploitation. Anonymous reports are also accepted.
  • Caseworkers are authorized and mandated by the Illinois Department on Aging to investigate all reports of abuse, neglect and exploitation of men and women over 60 years of age who reside in their own home or in the home of a caretaker. Caseworkers offer intervention and advocacy to work with the older adult in resolving the abusive situation.
  • Early intervention services are available for short term and/or emergency situations when other resources are not available to the victim. These services include: legal assistance, housing and relocation assistance, respite care, and emergency aid (such as food, clothing or medical care).

Operation Senior Security (OSS)

  • The OSS Coordinator is a retired policeofficer who educates seniors on how to avoid being victims of financial exploitation such as: telemarketing and lottery scams, home repair and improvement fraud. Programs include information about general safety issues in and out of the home.

Casework involves:

  • Recovery of lost assets
  • Referrals to appropriate agencies
  • Supportive services to seniors who have been victimized
  • Friendly Visitor Program
  • Volunteers are utilized to visit with clients to provide
    socialization opportunities.

Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP)

  • Paid and volunteer Ombudsmen protect, defend and advocate for people who reside in long term care facilities. They can:
  • Inform residents of their rights as mandated by federal and state law
  • Resolve resident complaints
  • Provide information on resident needs/concerns to their families, facility staff and community
  • Advocate for safety and good care at the highest practical level
  • Promote culture change in facilities to create a resident centered environment

Money Management

The Illinois Volunteer program is co-sponsored by AARP and is a protective service for seniors who need help managing their finances.

The program offers money management services to help low-income older people who have difficulty budgeting, paying routine bills and keeping track of financial matters.