Many Iowa seniors are at risk for abuse, neglect and financial exploitation every day, particularly those who depend on others to help them with the most basic activities of daily living.
Iowa has a lot of senior citizens. In fact, our state is among the top five in the country when it comes to the percentage of our population age 65 and older. However, we have little on the books to ensure they get the help they need when faced with abuse and exploitation.
The Senate is addressing that concern with passage of SF 2239, a comprehensive approach to combat incidents of abuse, neglect and financial exploitation of Iowa’s seniors. The bill follows two years of work by a task force that looked at the challenges state and local agencies face in collaborating to address elder abuse issues.
SF 2239 takes statewide a successful pilot program implemented in 22 Iowa counties by establishing an Elder Abuse Resource & Referral Program within the Area Agencies on Aging. The goal is to empower all older Iowans to maximize their autonomy, increase awareness of the risks and signs of elder abuse, and serve as a single point of contact for seniors seeking help. The bill also establishes criminal penalties for elder abuse and financial exploitation, allowing law enforcement to better protect of Iowa seniors and punish those who take advantage of them.
Iowa seniors deserve respect and dignity. This is one step toward protecting some of our most vulnerable citizens. SF 2239 is now under consideration in the Iowa House.