Letter to Editor: Reader Urges Others To Support Bill: Elder Abuse Act

​To the Editor, 
Elder abuse is on the rise in America and individuals living with dementia are particularly susceptible. In fact, as many as 62% of the 5.8 million Americans living with dementia experience psychological abuse, and as many as one-fourth have been physically abused. As someone who has been personally impacted by this disease, we cannot ignore the severity of this issue, especially during an isolating and unprecedented time in our nation’s history. 

Unfortunately, professionals who deal with elder abuse have little training on how to work with people with dementia. Thus, they may interpret their interactions as uncooperative, disruptive, or combative rather than fully understanding the unique needs of those living with the disease. Thankfully, the Promoting Alzheimer’s Awareness to Prevent Elder Abuse Act (S. 3703/H.R. 6813) will require elder abuse training specifically for dementia for these professionals to improve the quality of interactions and ultimately protect this vulnerable group from elder abuse.

This vital legislation is already on the move, thanks to the support of our Senators Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul after a vote in their Chamber. Now the House must follow suit, and that’s why we need our Representative Brett Guthrie to again be a leader in the fight to protect people living with Alzhiemer’s and all other dementia. Please join me in asking Congressmen Guthrie to cosponsor and pass H.R. 6813. Together, we can prevent elder abuse.

Sincerely,
April Hennion
1923 Chaumont Road
Park City, KY 42160