Blumenthal & Grassley Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Mark National Elder Abuse Awareness Month & Shed Light on Senior Fraud Schemes

[HARTFORD, CT] – U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) introduced a resolution recognizing June as National Elder Abuse Awareness Month and standing in support of seniors who’ve been victim to fraud schemes. The resolution applauds the Elder Justice Coalition’s work to increase public awareness of elder abuse and calls on those working with older adults to learn the signs of abuse and promote long-term prevention efforts.

Today, Blumenthal participated in a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing to examine how scammers target senior citizens, continuing his efforts to protect seniors from financial predators and help older Americans live with security and dignity.

“Too many of our nation’s seniors are victims of physical abuse, emotional exploitation, and financial scams. Senior citizens deserve peace of mind, support, and care—not the anxiety and fear that comes with the threat of elder abuse. This resolution reaffirms our commitment to our senior citizens and advocating for their safety, rights, and wellbeing,” said Blumenthal.

“Elder abuse isn’t limited by geography or income. It occurs in nursing homes and private residences—the very places meant to offer them care and protection. With a fast-growing senior population in our country, the urgency to act has never been greater. This month...we recommit to raising awareness of elder abuse and implementing protections for those in our society who protected us first,” said Grassley.

“Elder abuse prevention is enhanced greatly when public awareness is raised. The Grassley-Blumenthal resolution is a powerful example of raising national public awareness about elder abuse. Its joint designation of June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and June as Elder Abuse Awareness Month allows vital attention to be focused on the issue while also empowering those in adult protective services and our long-term care ombudsman to continue their important work. The Elder Justice Coalition salutes Senators Grassley and Blumenthal for their steadfast advocacy of elder justice in America,” said Bob Blancato, National Coordinator of the Elder Justice Coalition.

Elder abuse remains a pervasive problem and comes in many different forms, including physical, sexual, or psychological abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, and social media abuse. Last year, an estimated one in six older Americans experienced some form of abuse in a community setting.

Despite the prevalence of elder abuse, reports indicate that only one in 24 cases of elder abuse are reported, and only one in 44 cases of elder financial exploitation are reported. Most reported cases of abuse, neglect and exploitation take place within private homes.

Text of the resolution is available here.

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