Abuse of vulnerable older people too often goes unreported and unpunished. It’s a problem that’s been on the rise since the pandemic, and it’s likely going to get worse as seniors make up a growing percentage of the population.
By 2050, the experts tell us, nearly a quarter of Americans will be age 65 or older, and it’s likely that 1 in 10 of those will become a victim of abuse.
In light of these sad realities, it’s wise that Virginia’s attorney general, Jason Miyares, is making stronger protections for vulnerable older citizens a priority. Lawmakers, officials and ordinary people should work toward that goal.
Abuse of vulnerable elderly people takes many forms. One of the most common is financial, both the scams that modern technology has made increasingly easy and misuse of a person’s finances and assets by caregivers, including family members.
There’s also physical abuse, both neglect and more aggressive misbehavior, including violent crimes and sexual assault. In these instances, too, family members and other caregivers are often the culprits. They may isolate a vulnerable older person so that the victim cannot try to get help and grows increasingly confused.
Miyares’ most recent action was the announcement in June of an Elder Abuse Investigation Center for Central Virginia, a coalition similar to some operating successfully in other regions of the commonwealth. The center will bring together law enforcement agencies, commonwealth attorneys, advocates and those who work with the elderly from Richmond and nearby cities and counties to investigate possible cases of fraud and other abuse of senior citizens.
Staffers at the center will look into possible abuse cases and make investigators and expert witnesses available. They will prosecute cases themselves when necessary. Such a center also helps cities and counties learn from one another about instances of elder abuse and warning signs.
Closer to home, a similar coalition, the Peninsula Elder Abuse Forensic Center (PEAFC), opened in November 2017 under the leadership of York-Poquoson Social Services and the Riverside Health system, with a goal of investigating abuse reports and working to make sure abuse does not go undetected. The center draws on the expertise of law enforcement, commonwealth’s attorneys’ offices, mental-health agencies, medical professionals, social services, advocates for the elderly, and agencies that deal with domestic violence and sexual assault.
The PEAFC serves Newport News, Hampton, Williamsburg and Poquoson and the counties of York, James City, Gloucester and Isle of Wight.
As he has worked to combat the problem of elder abuse, Miyares has proposed legislation for stiffer penalties for scammers and others who target older people. He also has built on existing programs.
An important national effort started by AARP and associations of chiefs of police and sheriffs in the 1980s and introduced to Virginia in 1995 is Triad, a cooperative effort of law enforcement, senior citizens and organizations that serve the elderly. Triad works to help senior citizens learn to protect themselves from abuse. Senior citizens in Hampton Roads cities can join their local Triad at no cost, attend meetings and even volunteer. Contact information is available through virginianavigator.org or by calling the police or sheriff’s department.
Individuals can help in the fight against elder abuse. If you come into contact with an elderly person and something doesn’t seem right, let someone know.
Another important resource is the Virginia Coalition for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (VCPEA), a nonprofit, all-volunteer coalition of individuals and agency representatives who work with seniors and disabled adults. It offers information about how to spot the telltale signs of abuse or neglect.
People who suspect abuse are urged to call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline (888-832-3858) run by Virginia Adult Protective Services. You can also call your local Department of Social Services about suspected problems.
The elderly among us should be treated with respect and helped to live with as much independence and dignity as possible. As they become more vulnerable, they need more help. We must protect them from abuse and neglect.
