The Elder Justice Act Needs Our Support

According to MetLife's Mature Market Institute and AARP's July/August 2009 Bulletin, senior citizens fell victim to an estimated $2.6 billion dollars of financial abuse. Social service workers are being cut across the country and older Americans are becoming targets for everything from fraudulent telephone and mail solicitations to insurance scams. Nursing homes report physical and emotionally abusive relationships are up due to the fragile nature and financial circumstances surrounding this most vulnerable sector of our society.

S 795 which was introduced into the 111th Congress by sponsors Sen. Orin Hatch (R-Utah) plus 10 other Senators including Joseph Lieberman (Independent - CT), would amend the Social Security Act to provide block grants to states to ensure social services for the elderly. Those 60 and above are an ever growing population and this legislation would help to provide public and private infrastructure to help prevent, detect, treat, intervene in and prosecute elder abuse, neglect and exploitation. It has been suggested that Exploitation Forensic Centers be established to examine the crimes and bring justice for those who fall victim.

Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark) and Herb Kohl (D-Wisc) also helped to introduce this legislation on April 2, 2009, which means that it is bipartisan and supported by both Democrats and Republicans and Independents. According to author Cynthia Ramnarace, AARP is also supporting the Uniform Power of Attorney Act (AARP Bulletin July/Aug) which would help clarify who has the authority to sign for and alter estate plans particularly with regard to such things as mortgages, wills and trusts. Unfortunately, it is often a family member who becomes the perpetrator of fraud, so new legislation would make it possible for a third-party or the law to intervene on behalf of the victim.

Too often we find out about the elderly after they have died or their Social Security checks have been stolen and deposited unlawfully into another person's account for years. Those who cannot speak for themselves due to illness or even fear, need this legislation as another tool to help them investigate and prosecute those who would prey on them. Senior citizens are the fastest growing segment of our society right now. Any kind of health care provisions should also include care for them against neglect, abuse and exploitation by others.