SPRINGFIELD — In an effort to stamp out cases of caregiver abuse and exploitation, criminal liability will be expanded to voluntary caregivers who look after seniors and individuals with disabilities under a new law sponsored by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton.
“Seniors should not be taken advantage of, especially by the people caring for them,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “We are taking important steps to address abuse, neglect and exploitation so our seniors and individuals with disabilities can live with the dignity, safety and respect they deserve.”
House Bill 4676 will expand protections for seniors and individuals with disabilities by ensuring Illinois’ caregiver abuse and neglect laws apply to people who voluntarily assume care of an elderly person or individual with a disability.
Additionally, Glowiak Hilton’s new law will expand criminal abuse or neglect to include acts that create the substantial likelihood that the person's life will be endangered, health will be injured, or pre-existing physical or mental condition will deteriorate, and if the caregiver fails to perform acts that are necessary to maintain or preserve the life or health of the person.
“Our seniors are some of the most vulnerable residents of our communities,” said State Representative Marti Deuter (D-Elmhurst). “It’s important that we enable our judiciary to hold bad actors accountable and ensure families have peace of mind knowing their loved ones are being properly cared for.”
House Bill 4676 was signed into law Friday and takes effect Jan. 1.
