Sen. Dodd: June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month

SACRAMENTO – Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, today announced a resolution naming June as Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Awareness Month in recognition of a serious and growing crisis in California that has been worsened by the coronavirus pandemic.

“Turning a spotlight on the tragic nature of this problem as well as the warning signs are critical steps toward prevention,” Sen. Dodd said. “Because unfortunately, not a day goes by without reports of horrific cases of abuse or exploitation of the elderly or adults with disabilities. The situation has been made worse by the pandemic, which has strained our ability to care for vulnerable people.”

Senate Concurrent Resolution 112 comes as the U.S. population continues to age with 10,000 people turning 65 every day. Californians older than 65 years of age are the fastest growing demographic. In 2021, it was estimated that 14.8% of California’s total population -- approximately 5.8 million people -- are 65 or older.

Each year, 10% of Americans 60 or older experiences abuse.  One in every nine individuals over 65 is living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia and up to 25% experience mild cognitive impairment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, seniors experienced an increase in stress and isolation, both of which have been shown to be highly detrimental to health.

There are 6 million cases of elder abuse nationwide with 11 percent of all cases in California, according to the National Center on Elder Abuse. Another report from the National Council on Aging shows only 1 in 14 cases of elder abuse are ever reported to authorities. During the pandemic, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia deaths increased by 16% as resources and caregivers were stretched to the limits.

Elderly and disabled adults face a constellation of abuse including physical, mental, financial, pharmaceutical or medical -- any one of which could restrict their ability to protect themselves, to report to authorities or to testify against perpetrators. Abuse of developmentally disabled adults is also staggering.

Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Awareness Month is recognized globally. This year’s theme is “From Loneliness to Resilience.” In 2021, the Legislature passed SCR 45, written by Sen. Dodd, mirroring national and international recognition of the problem in June.

“We wish to acknowledge and thank Sen. Dodd for his ongoing leadership and commitment to improving the lives of California's most vulnerable communities,” said Leza Coleman, legislative director for California Commission on Aging, a resolution supporter. “The significant and meaningful efforts to bring awareness through SCR 112 is the first step in addressing the on-going and growing crisis of elder and dependent adult abuse.  Additionally by including in statute the need for prevention and  remediation for those impacted by these activities, we believe the senator’s efforts will improve the lives of older adults, adults with disabilities, their families and caregivers throughout California.”

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Senator Bill Dodd represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Solano, Yolo, Sonoma, Contra Costa, and Sacramento counties. You can learn more about the district and Senator Dodd at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd.