Ragan Report

Protections for vulnerable Iowa seniors

     Thousands of older Americans face abuse, neglect and exploitation every year. Some are particularly vulnerable because they depend on others to help them with the most basic activities of daily living. With about one-fifth of Iowans over age 60, issues affecting seniors are increasingly important. With this in mind, the Legislature has taken the following steps over the past two years:

• Protecting seniors from financial exploitation

     Many seniors give power of attorney to someone they trust so that person can make financial decisions on their behalf, including managing their money, paying their bills and purchasing necessities. Power of attorney is exercised responsibly by most Iowans, but there is growing evidence of unethical people who prey on vulnerable seniors. The Iowa Uniform Power of Attorney Act will help prevent this exploitation. AARP has hailed the new law as "the most important tool Iowa can use to combat the devastating problem of financial exploitation of elders."

• Cracking down on elder abuse

     We defined elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation in Iowa law and allow victims to secure protective orders to stop the abuse. In addition, new funding for Aging & Disability Resource Centers will be used to prevent elder abuse and to help victims.

• Enhancing patient advocacy

     To better address long-term care concerns, two new positions have been added in the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman: a specialist to assist those discharged from long-term care facilities; and a certified volunteer long-term care ombudsman to coordinate and train local volunteer advocates.

• Trusted assistance for those in need

     Many vulnerable adults have no one to turn to for help managing their physical health or financial resources. To ensure all Iowans have access to trustworthy and confidential assistance, we reopened the Office of Substitute Decision-Maker, which was closed due to budget cuts during the recession.

• Ensuring high-quality services

     We made services and funding more available so that those seeking to maintain their independence can stay in their own homes and avoid moving to expensive care facilities.

     The Senate is moving forward to establish a comprehensive system to prevent elder abuse, provide community support, offer legal options when intervention is necessary and go after those who hurt vulnerable older Iowans.

• Additional information

     This is a legislative column by Senator Amanda Ragan, representing Franklin, Butler and Cerro Gordo counties. For newsletters, photos and further information, go to www.senate.iowa.gov/senator/ragan.

     To contact Senator Ragan during the week, call the Senate Switchboard at 515-281-3371. Otherwise she can be reached at home at 641-424-0874. E-mail her at amanda.ragan@legis.iowa.gov.

    Senator Ragan is an Assistant Senate Majority Leader, chair of the Human Resources Committee and vice-chair of the Health & Human Services Budget Subcommittee. She also serves on the Appropriations, Natural Resources & Environment, Rules & Administration and Veterans Affairs committees.