Elder Law

Illinois Case May Set Legal Guidelines for Elderly Abuse

By Levin & Perconti

The conviction of two Illinois sisters found guilty of neglecting their elderly mother may play a role in defining how similar cases are decided in the future. The Kane County State?s Attorney believes that the two convicted of elderly abuse will appeal their felony conviction, putting the case in the hands of the Supreme Court. He believes that the law is lagging behind in terms of abuse and neglect of people who are in the care of others. The Illinois Department of Aging estimates more than 80,000 incidents of elderly abuse or neglect occur each year. However, there is little case law on the subject. In the Geneva case, the judge did not believe that the sisters were unaware of the open bedsores covering the body of their mother. Elder abuse is defined as neglect, physical injury and mental, sexual or financial exploitation where the victim is at least 60. Warning signs include untreated injuries, such as scratches and cuts, sudden behavior changes, dehydration and poor personal hygiene. To read more about Illinois elder abuse, please click the link.

Full post as published by Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Blog on August 19, 2009 (boomark / email).