Elder Abuse Increasing

Santa Clara County , California agencies are reporting a 25 percent rise in reports of elder abuse, and County Adult Protective Services are struggling to provide immediate response to seniors in need.

"Our seniors, especially those with dementia or in poor health, are vulnerable to elder abuse at the hands of unscrupulous caregivers or con artists," Santa Clara County Supervisor Ken Yeager said. "We have to prevent this kind of victimization of our seniors, and abusers need to know that their crimes won't go unpunished."

The rise in elder abuse coincides with the aging of the baby boomer generation, and has had a dramatic impact on adult service programs. By 2020, the population for people over the age of 60 will double, according to the county.

"Since Jan. 1, 2006, a baby boomer turns 60 every eight seconds," Director of the Department of Aging and Adult Services, Betty Malks said. "Due to the demographics of the aging population, the impact on service demands, and the increased number of reports, Adult Protective Services is struggling to provide an immediate response to all seniors who are victimized. Funding has not kept up, our ability to serve everyone has decreased and seniors are suffering as a result."

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