Protect Senior Citizens From Elder Abuse

 

Protect senior citizens from neglect, abuse, and scams.

 

Elder abuse is a growing and often overlooked problem that affects thousands of senior citizens each year. Many older

adults rely on caregivers, family members, or ling-term care facilities for daily support, making them especially

vulnerable to physical, emotional, financial, and neglectful forms of abuse. Because seniors may fear retaliation, feel

ashamed, or have medical conditions that make reporting difficult, most cases go unreported and unsolved. The

consequences of elder abuse are severe and long-lasting. Victims often suffer injuries, worsened medical conditions,

increased hospitalization, depression, anxiety, and a significantly reduced quality of life. Financial exploitation can

drain lifetime savings, leaving seniors unable to support themselves or access proper care. These harms not only

devastate individuals and their families but also place unnecessary strain on healthcare and social service systems.

Despite existing laws, many cases still go unnoticed or unaddressed due to limited oversight, inconsistent reporting,

and insufficient penalties for abuse. Strengthening protections for seniors ensures their dignity, safety, and

well-being. This act provides clear definitions, stringer reporting requirements, appropriate penalties, and improved

enforcement measures to better safeguard adults. By passing this act, the legislature affirms that senior citizens—who

have contributed so much to our communities—deserve to live free from harm, neglect, and exploitation.

 

Senior citizen - any individual aged 65 or older.

Elder Abuse - any intentional or negligent act that causes harm or risk of harm to a senior citizen. This includes:

physical abuse, emotional/psychological abuse, financial abuse, neglect, care facility (any licensed nursing home,

assisted living facility, memory-care unit or ling term care home) and mandatory reporter (any individual legally

required to report suspected elder abuse, including health care workers, social workers, facility staff, and law

enforcement officers).

 

Funding for this act shall come from the states Department of Health and Human Services budget. Additional gains may be

provided through federal elder protection programs. No new taxes will be a result of this act.

 

Enforcement authority - The state Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) shall oversee the investigation of all

reported elder abuse cases. Care facilities must cooperate with any investigation conducted by DHHS or law enforcement

agencies. Mandatory reporters must file a report within 24 hours of observing or reasonably suspecting elder abuse.

Penalties for Individuals - Any individual found guilty of committing elder abuse shall be subject to: Fines up to

$5,000 and/or up to 1 year of imprisonment depending on the severity of the abuse. Repeat offenses may result in higher

fines and longer periods of imprisonment.

Penalties for care facilities - Facilities that fail to report elder abuse, obstruct an investigation, or permit

conditions that lead to elder abuse may face: Fines up to $25,000, suspension or revocation of their operating license,

or mandatory corrective actions determined by DHHS. Facilities with repeated violations may be subject to closure.

Protection for Reporters - Any person who reports suspected elder abuse in good faith shall be protected from civil or

criminal liability.

 

This Act shall take effect 30 days after its passage.