Letter to the Editor: Law to protect elderly needs renewal March 19, 2013 By Law Bulletin Readers The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin encourages readers to contribute letters on topics of interest in these pages and letters associated with the legal profession. Please e-mail letters to the editor to editor@lbpc.com. One of the most pressing ethical public health issues of our time concerns the treatment and protection of our elderly population against abuse, neglect and exploitation. As a public health student, I am constantly faced with complicated questions on how to advocate for the welfare of individuals through preventive and population-based health. Many of these historical measures, including improved sanitation standards and disease vaccinations, have increased the average life expectancy of Americans. However, we are rarely faced with questions concerning the consequences of a growing vulnerable aging population. One such consequence to consider is the quality of care for individuals residing in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes. State long-term care ombudsmen serve as the primary voice for residents in long-term care facilities. These programs are mandated by the federal government through the Older Americans Act of 1965 and enforced by the federal Administration on Aging. Long-term care ombudsmen address resident concerns, resolve complaints and advocate for quality long-term care. In 2010, ombudsmen programs received more than 157,900 complaints from nursing homes across the country. More than 53,000 of these complaints were related to incidences of abuse, gross neglect and exploitation. Many of these violations have caused real harm to victims. Research has demonstrated that older victims of even "modest" forms of abuse have dramatically higher morbidity and mortality rates than non-abused older people. Victims have an increased likelihood of heart attack, dementia and depression — just to name a few deteriorating implications. Combating elder abuse and neglect in U.S. long-term care facilities requires robust efforts at all governmental levels. However, any pressing social issue requires communal galvanization and support from the people. So what can you do to fight these injustices? I encourage you to take the time to contact your federal representative and senators to reauthorize the OAA as a vehicle to fight elder abuse and neglect in institutional settings. This federal law is required to be reauthorized every four years in order for Congress to update its critical programs and services. Unfortunately, reauthorization expired in 2011, and Congress has not taken any action to fulfill this requirement. But this can change with your help. Call Congress to advocate for OAA reauthorization. Contact the U.S. Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask for your senators' and representative's office. It is everyone's responsibility to ensure the justice, dignity, safety and protection of our seniors. — Anjali Asthana, graduate student, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health Chicago Daily Law Bulletin – Subscribe | Chicago Lawyer – Subscribe | Chicago Lawyer Network | Law Bulletin Publishing Co.