How Illinois’ safety net to protect the elderly from financial exploitation is falling short

Paul Borik inside his senior living room in the northwest suburbs. Borik is among a growing number of seniors in Illinois who have been targeted for their savings. And the state’s safety net designed to protect them has gaping holes, experts say. (Sebastián Hidalgo / Injustice Watch)

For much of his long life, Paul Borik kept busy in the service of others.

As a young soldier in the aftermath of World War II, he helped rebuild France. Then he returned to Chicago, where he dedicated his time and money to his older brother, whose head was pierced by a metal fragment in the war.