Elder Abuse Awareness Month in IL

Illinois Governor, Rod Blagojevich, has proclaimed the month of July as “Elder Abuse Awareness Month”.  His actions were inspired by the tragic death of seventy-eight-year-old Ivory Jackson, (recently blogged about) who was beaten to death at his nursing home.  These events remind us that we need to do more to protect nursing home residents from harm. 

“Our seniors have the right to be treated with dignity, respect, and to feel safe and secure.  Unfortunately, many seniors find themselves victims of abuse and neglect which is unacceptable,” said Gov. Blagojevich. 

The Governor’s hope is to raise awareness of elder abuse and encourage more people to report cases of elder abuse.  This awareness may one day lead to our lawmakers passing The Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act in the House and Senate.  This legislation would take away the existing binding arbitration that strips the seniors of their rights.  The legislation would allow seniors the right to a trial if they are harmed or neglected. 

So spread awareness and speak up when you see acts of elder abuse.  We need to do all we can to ensure the safety of our seniors.

For more information click here.