Let's start screening caregivers of elderly
Financial stability is considered a mark of people in middle and old age (40 and older). Consider the fact that 70 percent of our nation's wealth is controlled by people over age 50. But just as banks are interested in this, so, too, are criminals. This sets up older adults for a variety of theft schemes and scams. Simply stated, thieves know that older adults have money and see this as a window of opportunity. This is especially true when older adults need in-home assistance with activities of daily living (for example, bathing, dressing, grooming, feeding oneself, etc.).
The prevention of elderly abuse by dishonest caregivers is a significant socioeconomic problem.
It is estimated that the number of elderly (that is, people between the ages of 65 and 84) will grow by almost 31 million people between 2010 and 2040. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that there will be 6.5 million people needed to care for the elderly by 2050. In short, this translates to 6.5 million possibilities for elder abuse at the hands of dishonest caregivers. In summary, the enactment of a statewide law requiring caregivers (be they private or public) to pass a criminal background check would address this socioeconomic injustice. Our state's elderly population deserves as much.
Juan J. Guevara
Bakersfield
