Elder Abuse Prevention


  • Elder Abuse Hotline
  • Illinois Department on Aging
  • One Natural Resources Way, Suite #100
  • Springfield, IL 62702-1271
  • Phone: 1-800-226-0768.
  • Website:

Purpose of the Program

The Illinois Department on Aging works to protect the rights of senior citizens and prevent elder abuse. The Elder Abuse and Neglect program under the authority of the Elder Abuse and Neglect Act, responds to reports of alleged abuse, neglect or financial exploitation of persons 60 years of age and older. The program provides investigation, intervention and follow-up services to victims. The program stresses the mentally competent older adult’s right to make their own decisions.

Who is Eligible

Anyone can report a case of elder abuse in good faith. The Elder Abuse and Neglect Act provides that people who in good faith report suspected abuse or cooperate with an investigation are immune from criminal or civil liability or professional disciplinary action. It further provides that the identity of the reporter shall not be disclosed except with the written permission of the reporter or by order of a court. Anonymous reports are accepted.

Application Process

To report suspected abuse, exploitation or neglect of an older person, call the statewide, 24 hour Elder Abuse Hotline: 1-866-800-1409, 1-888-206-1327 (TTY). You may also call your local Elder Abuse Provider Agency at the following address http://www.state.il.us/aging/1directory/elder_abuse.pdf  Information about this program can also be obtained Monday-Friday, 8:30a.m.-5:00 p.m. CST through the Illinois Department on Aging’s Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966 or 1-888-206-1327(TTY).

Availability of Funds

N/A

How Funds are to be used

To provide Elder Abuse Prevention services to older persons.

Types of Assistance

Year Program was established

1988