Sunday, July 3, 2011

Elder Justice Act



Second, as discussed July 2nd, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (“Act”) has many aspects of importance to the elderly population. Anyone who has a practice focusing on or working with the elderly realizes the importance of advocacy on behalf of that population. There are many with designing schemes to exploit those most vulnerable in the community. In my practice, I have seen direct mail and call campaigns targeted at seniors with offerings that were in no way needed, beneficial, practical or affordable for an elderly person. I have seen solicitations that look like monthly bills which the elderly person pays. There have been nursing home facility closing leaving elderly individuals with little options. Besides exploitation, the 2 entities established by the Elder Justice Act also address abuse and neglect. Those newly established entities are the Elder Justice Coordinating Council and Elder Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation Forensic Centers.

The Elder Justice Act provides for the first time coordinates efforts to prevent elder abuse on a federal level. The Elder Justice Coordinating Council will make recommendations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services on the coordination of activities of federal, state, local and private agencies and entities relating to elder abuse, neglect and exploitation. The Elder Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation Forensic Centers develops forensic expertise regarding and provide services relating to, elder abuse, neglect and exploitation. In addition the Elder Justice Act will make available funds for adult protective services.

As we care for our aging parents and ourselves as we age, it is important to know about these services and continue to advocate on behalf of elderly. Contact us at http://www.ythlaw.com/ for more information.

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