Recently, we posted an article on the testimony before a senate committee by actor Mickey Rooney regarding the subject of elderly abuse, and events over the past week are shedding new light on this tragic issue.
The Miami Herald published a story on the results of a yearlong investigation into assisted living facilities in Florida, with horrific stories of death and injury that offer fresh evidence for the claims of Rooney.
Neglect and abuse are taking place in assisted living facilities not only in Florida but other states, and despite strong laws on the books the issue seems just now to be developing the awareness needed to address and eliminate the problems.
We at Provision Living are taking an aggressive approach to getting this issue into the public domain, by supporting and posting on the testimony of Rooney, and applauding the investigative reporting uncovering abuse in Florida, and across the nation.
Rooney, who was in San Diego this weekend to appear at a fundraiser spoke about his efforts to increase awareness of the issue of elderly abuse.
Rooney stated that he believes "the president will make it a crime to abuse the elderly," and pointed toward a bill in the legislative process that focuses on abuse against seniors.
The actor's leadership is an important step in galvanizing support for this critical issue, and as difficult as the stories of abuse are to hear, without such evidence the risk of a decrease in awareness will persist, even as the American population ages and senior care options become a focus.
But it's going to take people getting interested at a community level to bring what is gaining steam as a national issue into prominent attention locally. As some bloggers are beginning to point out, it is unacceptable that any of these acts of abuse go unpunished.
When local folks start to get focused, then local lawmakers will connect with the national cause, and real, sustainable awareness of the issue can begin to develop.
We don't want to hear about seniors suffering from Alzheimer's dealing with theft or abuse, but the stories need to be told to get the ball of change rolling.
Provision Living's goal of creating a radiant organization, where residents are loved, inspired and able to thrive, begins with a safe, secure, and nurturing environment, and while we are proud of our efforts, we recognize that we're all in this together to ensure these basic rights for seniors and those in assisted living facilties.
(Image Courtesy of Lucia.. on Flickr)
