ND Chief Justice Calls for Study of Elder Abuse

North Dakota Chief Justice Gerald VandeWalle appealed for state lawmakers to look into ways to help older residents avoid being abused or financially exploited.

“I am convinced that this is an area that North Dakota can no longer wait to confront,” VandeWalle said in a speech to a joint session of the North Dakota House and Senate.

By tradition, North Dakota’s chief justice briefs the Legislature on judicial issues when lawmakers meet every two years.

Two years ago, VandeWalle appealed for the Legislature to order a study of public administrator and guardianship services for the elderly. The request was passed over.

Public administrators, normally employed by counties, oversee the affairs of people who cannot care for themselves and do not have a friend or family member willing to help them.

VandeWalle said a shortage of public guardians and limited resources for nonprofit agencies that provide guardian services “all contribute to conditions that make it easier to take advantage of the elderly.”

The North Dakota Data Center at North Dakota State University has estimated that within 20 years, about one-third of the residents of 39 of North Dakota’s 53 counties will be at least 65 years old.

“An aging population requires a comprehensive network of programs and services to ensure that our elderly are able to remain healthy and safe,” VandeWalle said. “This is a big subject, with many components, but I know that if we take on this issue as a state, the task will be less daunting.”

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N.D. Chief Justice VandeWalle Says Elder Care Study is Needed