Bob Patton, director of Business Development for the California Elder Law Center of Lakewood, CA tells a story that shows why it is so important that the nation address elder abuse. He calls on Rep. Laura Richardson (D-CA) to pass the Elder Justice Act.

There are federal laws governing domestic violence and child abuse, but none related to elder abuse. The Elder Justice Act will finally provide the national leadership needed to address the problem of elder abuse in America.

Your support is needed. Get involved.

Take action now.

Kathleen Quinn, who leads the National Adult Protective Services Association, tells how a family abused an elder and implores Congress to pass the Elder Justice Act.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action.

Austin’s Idell McKee was a victim of abuse. She was surprised, hurt, angry and a little afraid. She calls on Congress to pass the Elder Justice Act.

Elder abuse is a silent issue, robbing the nation’s elders of their dignity and security, and in some cases costing them their lives.

The Elder Justice Act would fund a public awareness campaign around prevention and best practices targeting law enforcement, financial institutions, caregivers and family members.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

Robin Sanow, of Alameda County, CA, explains why those who live to age 85 and beyond need federal protection from elder abuse.

There are federal laws governing domestic violence and child abuse, but none related to elder abuse.

The Elder Justice Act will finally provide the national leadership needed to address the problem of elder abuse in America.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

Elizabeth Powell, an attorney who lives in Arlington, VA, urges Rep. James Moran (D-VA) to pass the Elder Justice Act. She relates her own story of financial abuse concerning someone who lives in Congress’ backyard.

Financial abuse alone costs the nation’s seniors some $2.6 billion a year.

The Elder Justice Act would educate law enforcement, financial institutions, caregivers and family members about elder financial abuse.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

It is crucial to get word to Congress this week that the Elder Justice Act should be passed this year. Signing a petition can help make Elder Justice Now a reality.

To sign the petition or to take other actions that will ensure passage, click here.

If you are looking for reasons why it’s so important,  read the comments from those who have already signed the petition. They give the reasons why passage is so important to our nation’s elders. Feel free to add your own comments in reaction to this blog entry!

“I support funding for fighting elder abuse. The economic downturn has cut most of the infrastructure in my county and there is a great need to put it back in place.”– CA

“Elder abuse is appalling. It is unconsionable. We need this Act passed to gve our elders the respect they deserve and to allow us to benefit from the grace of their wisdom.” — MD

“Elder abuse is a hidden reality in our society. Please help us prevent abuse of our elders and develop a comprehesive response to prevent and intervene in these cases.” NY

“It comes as a shock that here in the United States we can pass the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act in1974 and 20 years later the Violence Against Women Act in 1994. yet there is no federal legislation that protects our elders.” — NY

“I work with the frail elderly who are often the victims of abuse by their own family members. We often don’t have the resources or legal means to protect them.” — NY

“The  humanty of our society is measured in how we treat our most vulnerable members.” — CA

“Abuse continues to rise, especially financial abuse and resources continue to decrease. Please help stop the suffering of our elders and [support] the systems that serve them.” — CA

“Seniors need protection, families need support and guidance…Passing the Elder Justice Act will help seniors get the care and respect they deserve.” — CA

“As a member of the Pennsylvania Council on Aging and having worked in aging services for 13 years, the need for this legislation is absolute.” — PA

“States can no longer bear the burden of adult protective services alone.” — WI

“Prosecution of elder abuse cases has improved, bu we still have a long way to go to protect our seniors.” — CA

“We should always protect all living creatures that cannot protect themselves. The elderly should not leave this world with their last days filled with neglect or abuse.” –NJ

Need I say more? Please sign the petition now.

Tracy Caldwell, a resident of San Francisco, asks Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D. CA) to make elder abuse a “top priority” because of the financial abuse that he says is becoming a crisis.

Financial abuse alone costs the nation’s seniors some $2.6 billion a year.

The Elder Justice Act would educate law enforcement, financial institutions, caregivers and family members about elder financial abuse.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

Dr. David Werdegar of San Francisco’s Institute on Aging says elder abuse awareness must be raised and that the Elder Justice Act would allow for a coordinated attack on a community problem.

The numbers of those elderly who are abused will only grow as the baby boomers age into their 60s.

The Elder Justice Act would share best practices, provide education, awareness and training, increase the ability to prosecute elder abuse and ensure that front line workers have the resources and information they need.

Your support is needed. Get involved.  Take Action Now!

Norma Bradley who runs Advocate Legal Senior Center in Houston, TX tells how family members often give up caring about their elders, which can lead to scams and abuse by others.

There are an estimated 5 million elders who experience some form of abuse each year.

The Elder Justice Act will help identify and share the best ways to prevent abuse and protect America’s seniors.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action.

Carmel’s Pat Smith relates the story of her husband, who has Alzheimer’s, who was taken in by a young woman in Las Vegas. Her criminal behavior led to credit card charges of some $750,000 for the Smiths and an FBI investigation.

Elder abuse affects seniors across all socio-economic groups, but “older” seniors are more likely to be victimized.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

The Elder Justice Act would provide the support for state and community efforts and the resources needed by those who work on the front lines preventing, fighting and prosecuting elder abuse.

Saratoga’s Bob Lee relates the story of his father, a World War II veteran, was abused by a caregiver who took away his dignity, stole his money and even contributed to his death. He calls on Congress to pass the Elder Justice Act.

Financial abuse alone costs the nation’s seniors some $2.6 billion a year.

The Elder Justice Act would educate law enforcement, financial institutions, caregivers and family members about elder financial abuse.

Your support is needed. Get involved. Take action now.

 Madalyne Houseman, of Saint Louis, Michigan, tells how her mother suffered neglect and financial abuse by her son and why Madalyne had to step in. 

 In almost 90% of the elder abuse and neglect cases, the perpetrator is a family member.

The Elder Justice Act will raise public awareness about elder abuse. Your help is needed.

Get Involved: http://ElderJusticeNow.org
Take action now!