Hollywood legend Mickey Rooney today applauded Senator Susan Collins following her remarks that combating elder abuse in the United States should be a “national priority.” Rooney, who is 90 years old, testified before the Senate Special Committee on Aging, of which Senator Collins is a member. Today’s hearing, titled “Ending Elder Abuse: Neglect and Financial Exploitation,” focused on the serious issue of elder abuse and what can be done to address and help prevent it.
“Elder abuse comes in many different forms—physical abuse, emotional abuse, or financial exploitation. Each one is devastating in its own right,” Mr. Rooney testified. “I know because it happened to me. I was financially exploited and denied access to information of any kind as to how my finances were managed. When I tried to speak up, I was silenced. It seemed like no one believed me.”
According to the most recent national incidence study, more than 14 percent of non-institutionalized older adults were victims of physical, psychological or sexual abuse, neglect or financial exploitation last year. Tragically, in many cases, the abuse is being perpetrated by the caretaker or family member on whom the victim is dependent. Senator Collins said today that she believes combating elder abuse should be a national priority and that we have a shared responsibility to keep our seniors safe as they live out their golden years.
“Abused and neglected elderly persons are among the most isolated victims of family violence,” said Senator Collins. “Tragically, they are most often abused by the very people who are closest to them—and the abuse happens in what should be the safety and security of their own homes.”
A new report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released during today’s hearing outlines the need for increased federal leadership in the area of elder abuse, the alarming and growing numbers of cases now being reported, and it discusses the financial impact of elder abuse on states and the nation. Each year, financial exploitation costs the nation an estimated $2.6 billion, yet four out of every five cases go unreported.
Watch the ABC News report: