The Chicago Police Department Senior Services Office facilitates law-enforcement services for older community residents. For the 22nd District Police, Officer Jennifer Bushelon is our CAPS Senior Officer and she can be contacted at Jennifer.bushelon@chicagopolice.org or the 22nd District CAPS office, 312-745-0620.
Officer Bushelon works with our community to distribute information about safety services, crime prevention, scam alerts, and assistance programs that directly benefit seniors. You can get valuable tips for securing your home against break-ins, requesting well-being checks for older neighbors, and getting signed up for seminars offered by the Chicago Police and other agencies that serve seniors, and from Officer Bushelon.
Following are some of the program and tips Officer Bushelon makes available to help seniors stay safe and sound. Contact her to request more information or assistance.
Always follow general safely rules: do not be afraid to request identification from delivery men, utilities or any other strangers; do not allow strangers into your residence; and keep your home well lit at night, inside and out (remember to close your curtains at night).
People who are age 60 and or disabled are encouraged to obtain an affordable identification bracelet through the Chicago Police Department Emergency Bracelet Identification Program. Bracelets are inscribed with a 24-hour phone number of the police district where the senior resides and a confidential, unique code number that will enable police to ensure prompt and appropriate care in case of an emergency. Bracelets are $7.91.
Seniors are often targeted for scams and financial exploitation. The more you know the better you can protect yourself. Officer Bushelon shares these tips: A deal seems too good to be true probably is; do not give out personal information such as credit card and Social Security numbers and ATM information to phone solicitors; get estimates as well as credentials, references and proof of insurance from all companies doing work at your home, and do not pay in advance; do not sign a power of attorney or other document that allows another person to act on your behalf unless you completely understand all aspects of how it affects your identity and assets; protect your money by signing up for direct deposit, shredding offers credit cards and other important information, and never signing blank checks; request a copy of your credit report every year; and maintain a network of trusted friends and professionals.
If you suspect you or another senior is being exploited financially or suffering other abuses, call the Adult Protective Services hotline, 1-866-800-1409. Learn other ways that strangers can exploit you financially and how you can protect yourself’ request information on the B$SAFE program, 1-800-252-8966.
Offered through the Illinois Department of Aging, Engage 2 Change provides information on recognizing and reporting abuse of older adults and adults with disabilities. The 24-hour hotline – 1-866-800-1409 – can be used to report suspected abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, or self-neglect. Reports are confidential and can be kept anonymous.
The Department of Aging also has a senior helpline, 1-800-252-8966 (TTY 1-888-206-1327). This resource provides HELP: Help to locate services in your community, Evaluate your needs and answer questions, Link you to local care coordination services, and Provide information and assistance. Helpline hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon. through Fri. When you call, have this information ready: client’s name, age, address, daytime phone numbers and services they presently receive.
The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) – Senior Services Division can assist seniors in need of legal assistance in areas that include housing, consumer debt, probate and estates, civil rights, public benefits and taxes, and more. Call 312-744-4016 or email aging@cityofchicago.org (include the senior’s name, address, phone number and date of birth) for information and assistance.
DFSS also offers resources for caregiving and chore services for eligible seniors. For information and to request a service, 312-744-4016.
