Health Reform Could Mean Help For Elder Abuse Victims (USA)

By DEAN MOSIMAN

March 24, 2010

It's received scant attention, but tucked in the sweeping health care reform bill signed Tuesday by President Barack Obama is the most comprehensive federal effort ever to fight elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.

The legislation includes the long-sought Elder Justice Act, which spotlights and devotes hundreds of millions of federal dollars to elder abuse for the first time. Its companion, the Patient Safety and Abuse Prevention Act, also included in the legislation, creates new protections for those in long-term care facilities.

"Elder abuse is a very significant problem in our society," U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., who co-authored the House version of the Elder Justice Act, said in an interview. "But there has not been a comprehensive federal response. This measure should have a significant impact."

The legislation comes as the latest reports of elder abuse reached new highs in Dane County and Wisconsin.

Two years ago, the State Journal's seven-day series, "Elder Abuse: A Silent Shame," found social service and justice systems barely able to handle reported cases, missing the majority of the abuse and unready to handle aging baby boomers who will soon challenge the system.

Abuse can lead to serious mental and physical problems and drain a senior's life savings, and studies have shown that elder victims have three times the risk of premature death.

The legislation "will put elder abuse more front and center nationally," Dane County Department of Human Services Director Lynn Green said. "Awareness is part of the cure."

Abridged
SOURCE:   Wisconsin State Journal
____________________________________________________


Yes, we  remember the wonderful work of  Wisconsin State Journal reporter Dean Mosiman, who won Inland’s community leadership award for the seven-day series “Elder Abuse: A Silent Shame” which detailed the failure of the state’s institutions to ensure the well-being of older citizens. 
Dean and his colleagues presented a great series, first of its kind, in highlighting the issue.


Our special thanks to Dean and his team.


.....................AC

______________________________________

Click for Updates, More Cases and Resources
Search Right Col/Labels for More Posts/Resources