WASHINGTON, D.C. – Bipartisan legislation co-sponsored by Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) that would protect seniors with dementia from harm and exploitation recently passed the Senate unanimously. The Promoting Alzheimer's Awareness to Prevent Elder Abuse Act was introduced by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and would ensure that the Department of Justice’s elder abuse training materials take into account individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
Approximately one in 10 seniors aged 60 and older have experienced some form of elder abuse. For people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias, the prevalence is much higher, with some estimates putting it at just over 50 percent.
“As a former caregiver to my grandmother with Alzheimer’s, I understand firsthand how those battling this horrible disease face a heightened risk of elder abuse and are too often exploited,” said Senator Tillis. “I applaud the Senate for passing this commonsense legislation that would protect this vulnerable population and ensure we are doing whatever we can to prevent elder abuse.”
The legislation is supported by the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, Alzheimer’s Impact Movement, Elder Justice Coalition, American Geriatrics Society, American Society on Aging, B’nai B’rith International, Gerontological Society of America, International Association for Indigenous Aging, Jewish Federations of North America, Justice in Aging, LEAD Coalition (Leaders Engaged on Alzheimer’s Disease), National Adult Protective Services Association, National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (N4A), National Association of Elder Law Attorneys, and SAGE: Advocacy and Services for LGBT Elders.
Specifically, Promoting Alzheimer's Awareness to Prevent Elder Abuse Act would:
- Require that the National Elder Justice Coordinator take into account people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias when creating or compiling elder abuse training materials;
- Instruct DOJ to consult with stakeholders, as appropriate, in developing these materials and to review and update existing materials; and
- Include information in DOJ’s annual report about where to access the publicly available training materials.
The bill builds on the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act, which became law in October 2017 and required DOJ to create training materials to help criminal justice, health care, and social services personnel assess and respond to elder abuse cases. It also aligns with the latest recommendations from the National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease, which include disseminating information on abuse of those with dementia and educating law enforcement about interacting with these individuals.
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