Elder Rights

Elder rights means the right of older persons to live in dignity and safety, free from mistreatment of any kind.

Elder rights means the right of older persons to make their own choices and to remain independent to the maximum degree possible, and when they need assistance, to be provided the highest quality care.

Elder rights means that the Aging Network in Illinois protects the most vulnerable of the elderly population.

How it Works

The Illinois Department on Aging, in cooperation with the Area Agencies on Aging and providers throughout the state, administers three Elder Rights Programs...

• Elder Abuse and Neglect Program
  This program responds to reports of alleged abuse, neglect or financial exploitation of persons 60 years of age and older, who live in your community.



• Long Term Care Ombudsman Program
  This program is in place to protect and promote the rights and quality of life for people who reside in long term care facilities.



• Legal Services Development Program
  This program provides legal services for older people, as well as legal advice to the Elder Abuse and Ombudsman Provider Agencies.

Illinois Human Rights Act

The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status (with regard to employment), age 40 and over, marital status, physical or mental disability, military service or unfavorable military discharge. (To view the Illinois Human Rights Act, see Statutes and Rules.)

The Act prohibits discrimination in connection with employment opportunities, real estate transactions, access to financial credit, and the availability of public services and public accommodations.

It also provides protection for sexual harassment in employment, sexual harassment of students in higher education and retaliation for having filed a discrimination charge.

To file a discrimination charge, contact the Illinois Department of Human Rights by calling, writing or appearing in person at the Department's Chicago (312-814-6216) or Springfield (217-785-5100) office within 180 days of the date the alleged discrimination took place, in all cases except housing discrimination, which has a one-year filing deadline.

Contact

For more information on the Elder Rights Program,

• Contact the Senior HelpLine.

See also publications and Web sites related to this program:

• Publications
• related Web sites