Senators Revive Elder Abuse Act

February 17, 2003
Sens. John Breaux (D-LA) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT) last week reintroduced the Elder Abuse Act. The measure would establish dual Offices of Elder Justice at the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services to coordinate federal, state and local efforts to combat elder abuse, neglect and exploitation in residential and institutional settings.

Breaux, who chaired Senate hearings on abuse of the elderly last year, said he was amazed to learn that "not a single federal employee" is working full time on elder abuse, neglect or exploitation even though there are more elderly Americans than ever.

Experts estimate only 15 percent of elder abuse is reported, Breaux said.

It's estimated the measure would cost $650 million in its first year. It would require reporting of crimes in long-term care settings and federal criminal background checks for those employed by long-term care providers. It would also include measures to increase and retain staff in long-term care facilities, including a staff demonstration project, training and degree programs.

"As we unlock the mysteries of science that let us live longer, we must ensure that we live better lives as well," Hatch said at a Capitol Hill news conference.

Attending the news conference with Breaux and Hatch was Ronald Stromberg, director of Adult Protective Services for the Utah Division of Aging and Adult Services. He said his office investigates 2,200 adult abuse, neglect and exploitation cases annually.

"The family is the worst offender by far," Stromberg said. "You see many instances of children stealing money from their elderly parents, and sometimes their only explanation is, 'It was going to be mine anyway.' "

He said the biggest problem facing investigation and enforcement of elder abuse crimes is the lack of dedicated funding to elderly protective service programs.

"We are just crying for more research," said Sara Aravanis, director of the National Center on Elder Abuse. "There is no handle on the problem as a national picture."

Women are more likely to be victims because they live longer and are more likely to be living alone, said Samara Navarro, director of adult services for the Florida Department of Children and Families, the state agency responsible for investigating abuse complaints. Women also are more likely to be victims of continuing domestic violence.