June 10 2009
The statistics are frightening, and unless human nature takes a turn for the better, they're almost certain to get worse.
We're talking about the numbers of seniors who fall victim to abuse, exploitation or neglect — in Montana.
The graphic at right shows a substantial year-over-year increase in cases — 22 percent for abuse, for example — but the numbers over the past decade in our nine-county region are even more dramatic.
Abuse cases nearly doubled, and exploitation and neglect cases both tripled from 1998 to 2008.
The state division of Adult Protective Services expects the trend to worsen.
"I anticipate that the economic stresses ... the increase in gambling addiction, the increase in child support payment enforcement and the unrealistic lifestyle expectation of the younger generation will contribute to the increased referrals," said division Director Rick Bartos.
Sheer numbers of seniors will contribute further as baby boomers age — the so-called "golden years" also are the years of increased vulnerability.
To help area residents and officials prepare and cope with these seemingly inevitable trends, an organization called the Elder Abuse Prevention Forum will sponsor a public meeting at the Rainbow Assisted Living Community from 1-7 p.m. Friday, which happens to be National Elder Abuse Prevention Day.
The public is invited, and there's no charge.
Speakers will include Sgt. Jeff Newton, Great Falls Police Department; Jim Francetich, Adult Protective Services; Sheriff Dave Castle; County Attorney John Parker; and District Judge Dirk Sandefur.
There also will be 30 booths from vendors who serve seniors. The forum is a grass-roots coalition of groups and individuals.
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