Ageism in Elder Justice Legislation:
Bob Blancato, the national coordinator of the Elder Justice Coalition, sheds light on the persistence of ageism in public policy, particularly within elder justice initiatives. Despite bipartisan support, the Elder Justice Act of 2010 faced a seven-year struggle to pass, revealing a denial of the existence of elder abuse within policy circles. The challenges continued as securing the promised $100 million funding for the act became an ongoing struggle. Blancato highlights the failure to renew the Act after 2014 and the recent stalled Elder Justice Reauthorization and Modernization Act of 2023, emphasizing a lack of bipartisan cooperation.
Pandemic Funding and Looming Challenges:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress allocated an unprecedented $376 million for the Elder Justice Act, addressing scams targeting older adults. However, Blancato points out that this funding, vital for Adult Protective Services (APS) and ombudsman programs, may be at risk. As the pandemic funding faces potential elimination, Blancato underscores the escalating cases of elder abuse, scams, and preventable tragedies. The article suggests a disconnect between the significant increase in elder abuse cases and the struggle to secure the necessary resources to combat it effectively.
Challenges in Funding and Confronting Ageism: The article questions why addressing elder abuse remains a struggle, attributing it to potential ageism within policy decisions. As Congress contemplates funding cuts, Blancato advocates for protecting elder justice funding, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach. He challenges the underlying ageism that may be disguised as fiscal conservatism or gridlock, calling for a national movement to confront ageism in all policy areas. Blancato emphasizes that exposing and discrediting ageism is crucial, as victims of elder abuse never fully recover.
https://www.nextavenue.org/how-ageism-persists-in-public-policy/