Editorial: Elder-abuse law a good start toward tackling problem

Attorney General Josh Shapiro

It’s good news, but the work here is only just beginning.

The Issue:

Prosecutors finally get the power to address mistreatment of people dependent on care.

Our Opinion:

It’s good news, but the work here is only just beginning.

Pennsylvania's belated passage of elder-abuse legislation is a most welcome development, but there is still plenty of work to be done.

Act 53, which expands prosecutorial powers to go after those who abuse a care-dependent person, was signed into law by Gov. Tom Wolf in late June. The law takes effect Aug. 27.

The subject was high on the agenda at a recent luncheon hosted by the Berks County Area Agency on Aging. State Attorney General Josh Shapiro addressed the gathering at the Inn at Reading, Wyomissing, and praised state Rep. Jim Cox, the Spring Township Republican who sponsored the bill, for his persistence in getting the legislation passed. Shapiro also noted the work of Chief Deputy Attorney General Laurie Malone and reporting by the Reading Eagle for drawing more attention to the issue.

It's certainly refreshing to hear Shapiro, a Democrat, praise the work of a Republican legislator in these divisive times, and it's gratifying to hear an elected official praise a media outlet rather than join in the press bashing that's all too popular with politicians.

Clearly this is an issue that should inspire bipartisanship. The first version of this measure was introduced all the way back in 2007 after residents at a Lebanon County assisted living home were fed rotten food and put to work stuffing newspaper inserts. Similar bills were introduced every legislative session since then, yet only this summer did lawmakers finally achieve success.

Act 53 amends the criminal statute to include language that addresses abuse of a care-dependent person, as well as neglect resulting in death. Previously, Pennsylvania did not have statutory provisions to prosecute abuse.

Elder abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual or through neglect or financial exploitation, and it is on the rise. Pennsylvania Department of Health data show that substantiated abuse in nursing homes more than tripled from 2012 to 2016.

The problem is expected only to worsen as the baby boom generation reaches old age.

According to federal data, the Pennsylvania attorney general's office has prosecuted the lowest percentage of patient care cases of all states. The amended statute is expected to change that.

The new law is a good start, but it fails to include penalties for those who fail to report suspected abuse to law enforcement. A November Reading Eagle investigation found that these crimes go unreported all too frequently. Legislators should tackle that issue next.

And while Harrisburg has an important role to play in addressing the problem, legislation alone won't solve it.

Elder-abuse education is critical so that people who know or work with older individuals are able to recognize signs of a problem early enough to do something about it.

According to the state Department of Aging, abuse warning signs include isolation, weight loss, bruises or broken bones, increased confusion, unusual account withdrawals and signing over a home. People aware of any situations involving elder abuse should call 800-490-8505.

Crimes involving mistreatment of older people are just as serious as those involving domestic partners and children. It's time for them to receive the same level of attention. All of us can play a role in making that happen.

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Editorial: Elder-abuse law a good start toward tackling problem