The Elderly Justice Act

The process of aging in not an unfamiliar topic to society and is an inevitable phase of life. Since 2011, the number of older individuals are increasing annually particularly those from the baby boomer generation. The life expectancy has been increasing with people living longer thanks to modern medicine. These occurrences are proof that civilization is growing exponentially, however the process of aging also means that the older individuals are facing dilemmas such as decreased physical functions, financial instability from retirement, and abuse. Even older adults who are independent may face some limitations. To address these issues, Congress has passed several acts to decrease the number of elderly abuse and improve living conditions.

It’s purpose is to protect and prevent any sort of abuse against seniors who are 60 years and older. According to the U.S Department of Justice, “ approximately 1 in every 10 seniors is abused each year with only 1 in every 23 cases actually reported to the appropriate agencies” (Current Federal Elder Justice Laws, 2017) in the United States. The overall goal is to decrease the number of victims and increase the number of reports if any form of abuse is suspected. In order to do so, the public needs to understand the different types of abuse and know who to report to. The Elder Justice Act focuses on educating the public, spreading awareness and improving the services to the Adult Protective Services and Long term care Ombudsman as prophylactic. The EJA is the first piece to talk about elder abuse nationally. By spreading the awareness, Americans will be more informed and know who to report to if abuse is

The original Older American Act was enacted in 1965 in order to provide the older individuals with a wide range of resources and programs. Five years after the bill had expired, President Obama signed the bill into a law on April 9, 2016. Overall, the objective of this law is to promote the older population’s welfare by offering programs. Similar to the previous act, the OARA is “geared to protect vulnerable elders by strengthening the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program and improve the elder abuse screening and prevention efforts.” (Older American Act, 2016). The OAA clarifies that the Ombudsman role is to advocate for elderly adult who are unable to have their voices heard. It ensures that every person has the access and assistance to find an ombudsman. By having access to an ombudsman, older adults or anyone can report for abuse or suspected abuse. This act is also designed to provide home and community based services. The act funds critical services that keep older adults healthy and independent. The Older American Reauthorization Act promotes “streamlining and improving program administration” (Older American Act, 2016) which includes promoting transportation services, Aging Disability Resource Centers, senior centers, home care, and improving nutrition services. There are many older adults who do not have access to transportation services because of their geographic location or from other