The United States Senate Special Committee on Aging will hold a hearing on Wednesday, July 30, titled “Awareness to Action: Combating Elder Abuse and Neglect.” The session will be led by Chairman Rick Scott and Ranking Member Kirsten Gillibrand. The goal is to address the issue of abuse and neglect toward older adults, a matter affecting a growing population.
The hearing will focus on potential legislative actions, including the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA). This law funds programs aimed at protecting the health, safety, and dignity of older individuals. Both Scott and Gillibrand, along with eight other bipartisan senators, have advocated for the reintroduction of this legislation this year and are urging for its prompt approval.
According to the organizers, “The hearing will cover the urgent need for stronger protections against elder abuse and will explore effective state-level policies that are already making a difference in communities. Witnesses will share insights on how greater public awareness, better coordination among caregivers and law enforcement, and community initiatives can improve early detection, reporting, and prevention of elder mistreatment.”
Invited witnesses include Maricela Morado, President and CEO of the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida; Nelson Bunn, Executive Director of the National District Attorneys Association; Sean Voskuhl, State Director for AARP in Oklahoma; and Lori Smetanka, Executive Director of the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care.
The hearing will take place in the Senate Dirksen Building (Room SD-106) starting at 3:30 PM and will be available via live stream.
