Coalition Works to Strengthen Abuse Laws

By: State: Minnesota | Source: AARP.org

In response to nursing home abuse scandals in two Minnesota nursing homes in Albert Lea and Montevideo that garnered national attention, AARP is working with a coalition called the Vulnerable Adults Justice Coalition to reform Minnesota's Vulnerable Adults Act. "The recent allegations of abuse of our most vulnerable Minnesotans in nursing homes have struck at the hearts of all of us and require swift action. AARP stands ready to work with the Legislature to do what we can to protect our most vulnerable," said Michele Kimball, AARP State Director.

The reform legislation will streamline the Vulnerable Adults Act reporting system, assure first responders have the tools to serve a growing and changing population and help to better protect vulnerable adults from financial exploitation.

The coalition also hopes to highlight the need to improve training provided to paid caregivers on dementia care and reporting procedures.

"Quality, trained staff is the best way to get quality care for our loved ones," said Kimball.

The coalition will work with nursing home providers as they increase efforts to report any suspected incidents of abuse; and work to educate the public about the signs of elder abuse and how it should be reported and investigated.

The Vulnerable Adults Justice Project is a unique collaboration between provider groups and consumer advocates in Minnesota. Members of the project steering group include the Minnesota Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care, AARP Minnesota, Aging Services of Minnesota, the Alzheimer's Association of Minnesota and North Dakota, Care Providers of Minnesota, ElderCare Rights Alliance, the Elder Justice and Policy Center, William Mitchell College of Law and the Minnesota HomeCare Association.

While these individual organizations oftentimes have different perspectives, and may even occasionally disagree on public-policy issues, there is no disagreement when it comes to prevention of the abuse of older and vulnerable adults. The groups share a common goal of increasing awareness and preventing elder abuse.

"Compassion requires us to protect those who cannot protect themselves," said Kimball. "We urge others to join us in our campaign to end elder abuse at all levels and settings."