The Elder Abuse Awareness Project was developed to determine the incidence of abuse and neglect of elderly people in several rural counties in central Illinois. A primary purpose of the study was to survey service providers as to their actual encounters with elder abuse and neglect. Each provider was asked about warning signs or cues that were indications that something was fundamentally wrong or that a senior could be a possible victim of abuse. Two standard responses were suspicious injuries and inconsistency of behavior. However, seven other general categories emerged: (1) medical manifestations; (2) interpersonal relationships; (3) neglect; (4) home and living environment; (5) finances; (6) depression; and (7) physical disintegration. Three problems were identified: (1) the need to address legal issues; (2) the lack of protective service by providers; and (3) an undeveloped set of services to address the issue. Recommendations are given for solving various problems in the elder abuse area. Products developed from the findings of the study and intended as aides to providers of services to the elderly include a set of transparencies and slides coordinated with an audio tape as a "Packaged Program" for seniors; a general brochure describing elder abuse and its symptoms, and giving information and referral numbers; a general informational booklet based on the audio visual materials; an intake card; and a final report. (JD)