World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

On June 15th, we celebrate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). This day raises awareness of the forms of elder abuse and resources available to those at risk. An estimated 5 million, or 1 in 10, older Americans experience elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

The Justice Department holds many programs and initiatives that work to prevent elder abuse.

The Attorney’s Office, Department of Justice, and law enforcement partners work toward combating elderly fraud and abuse. a recent press release stated:

“Elder abuse is an act that knowing, intentionally, or negligently causes or creates a serious risk of harm to an older person by a family member, caregiver, or other person in a trust relationship.”

Additionally, the office works with whistleblowers to provide detailed and vital information that helps protect patients and the community from targeted fraud and abuse. In 2024, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has had two important cases that protect the rights of elderly members in the community.

In March, $700,000 was paid to resolve allegations of a scheme to bill Medicare for unnecessary medical equipment and laboratory testing.

In February, Medical Doctor Thomas Andrew Webster pleaded guilty to conspiring with kickbacks connected to fraudulent telemarketing and medical supply schemes.

All older people have the right to live free from abuse and neglect. Visit the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA)’s website to find outreach guides, activity ideas, events in your area, and other materials to help raise awareness about elder abuse.

However, Trump and Republicans plan to cut Medicare and Social Security. Their plans include the following:

Calls for over $1.5 trillion in cuts to Social Security, including an increase in the retirement age to 69 and cutting disability benefits.

Raises Medicare costs for seniors by taking away Medicare’s authority to negotiate prescription drug costs, letting drug companies raise prices without consequence, and repealing $35 insulin and the $2,000 out-of-pocket cap in the Inflation Reduction Act.

Transitions Medicare to a system that would raise premiums for many seniors.

New York Times/Siena poll shows that Biden has a 9-point lead in a head-to-head matchup against Trump among voters aged 65 or older.

In a Quinnipiac University poll released last month, Biden is beating Trump by 12 points with the 65+ set.