Georgia Elder Care

state of Georgia, Oct 18, 2006

Elder abuse is a crime, but that doesn’t stop some people from abusing, neglecting and exploiting older persons and disabled adults. During fiscal year 2006, the Division of Aging Services’ Adult Protective Services (APS) Central Intake investigated nearly 7,000 APS referrals.

A bill currently before Congress would help Georgia tremendously. With the addition of federal resources, APS could hire more caseworkers, provide specialized expert training workshops and education, and strengthen partnerships and initiatives in law enforcement, forensics and banking institutions.

The Elder Justice Act (S.2010), with bipartisan support led by Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), was unanimously passed by the Senate Finance Committee in August. The bill would provide federal leadership and funding for APS programs to meet the challenges of identifying and protecting adults with disabilities and vulnerable seniors. It would provide funding for research and training, and strengthen protections for nursing home and other long-term care residents. We support this much needed federal legislation to fund APS programs so our seniors can get the dignity and respect they deserve.

Our elder population is rapidly increasing. By 2030, the number of older Americans is expected to reach 71 million, or about 20 percent of the U.S. population. Georgia’s population aged 60 and above is expected to increase 81.6% between 1990 and 2010. The Elder Justice Act will better ensure that older and at-risk adults will live their lives in dignity and safety. We eagerly anticipate the passage of this legislation by Congress.