Valley Views: Elder abuse can be confronted in many ways

The state Assembly understands elder abuse is a growing and under-reported problem in the state and region and is committed to protecting our vulnerable senior citizens. As the member of the Assembly's Committee on Aging, with some of the highest percentage of aging populations in my district, I've worked, since I came to office, to combat this heartbreaking problem.

For the past three years, I have spoken at the Mediation Center of Dutchess County's World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, and I have hosted meetings that brought together seniors and representatives from the offices of State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand to provide information for seniors and families, methods in which to report abuse and ways to avoid costly scams that target older New Yorkers.

In preparation for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the Assembly's Committee on Aging has moved several pieces of legislation to address this issue. These bills establish a home visitation program for victims of violent crimes who are ill or elderly; broaden the focus of police services for the elderly; improve reporting of suspected financial exploitation; and create a public education campaign to spread awareness of elder abuse (A.300, A.928, A.5349, A.7612-A). Additionally, I'm sponsoring legislation to establish an opt-in program for reporting suspected financial exploitation (A.4037).

In an effort to increase elder abuse awareness statewide, the state Legislature has also increased funding in the state budget to adequately fund programs that partner with our local Offices for the Aging with an increased focus on the long overlooked issue of financial abuse. By raising awareness and educating those who work closely with older adults — including family members, health care providers, bank tellers and others — we aim to bring those who exploit older adults to justice.

There are still gaps in policy that need a comprehensive review to be addressed appropriately in statute. Undue influence is a major issue that is present in many cases of elder mistreatment, particularly when it involves financial exploitation, where the definition and application of duress and undue influence is much needed. Other obstacles include delayed trials, which may affect testimony of witnesses who are of advanced age, or the legal definition of caregiver as it relates to endangering the welfare of a vulnerable elderly person.

It's hard to accept that our loved ones and neighbors may one day lose their ability to care for themselves and harder, still, to admit that they may be taken advantage of, possibly even by people they know. As your representative, I will continue to work to spread awareness so we can put an end to elder abuse in our communities.

I hope you will join me in this task, and I welcome you to attend the Mediation Center of Dutchess County's 2015 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 12, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Poughkeepsie Elks Lodge No. 275, 29 Overocker Road, Poughkeepsie. To register, visit http://www.dutchessmediation.org/weaad-registration-form. To learn more about or to report elder abuse please contact the New York State Bureau of Adult Services at 1-844-697-3505.

State Assemblywoman Didi Barrett, D-Hudson, represents District 106, which includes parts of Dutchess and Columbia counties. She can be reached at 845-454-1703 or BarrettD@assembly.state.ny.us.

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Valley Views: Elder abuse can be confronted in many ways