SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - On June 4, Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, announced a resolution designating June as Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Awareness Month in recognition of a serious and growing crisis in California that was worsened by the coronavirus pandemic and continues to threaten the state’s most vulnerable, especially the homeless.

“Turning a spotlight on the tragic nature of this problem as well as the warning signs are critical steps toward prevention,” Sen. Dodd said. “It is critical that we pay particular attention to how this crisis is affecting the homeless. Because unfortunately, not a day goes by without reports of horrific cases of abuse or exploitation of the elderly or adults with disabilities.”

Senate Concurrent Resolution 153 comes as California’s population continues to age. It’s estimated that the number of those over 60 will increase 166% by 2060 with more than half of the 58 counties experiencing a 100% increase in this demographic.

At the same time, 10% of Americans 60 or older experience abuse.  One in every nine people over 65 are living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia and up to 25% experience mild cognitive impairment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, seniors experienced an increase in stress and isolation, both of which have been shown to be highly detrimental to health.

There are 6 million cases of elder abuse nationwide with 11% of all cases in California, according to the National Center on Elder Abuse. Another report from the National Council on Aging shows only 1 in 14 cases of elder abuse are ever reported to authorities. Over the past five years, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia deaths increased by 16% as resources and caregivers were stretched to the limits.

The death rate of older homeless adults is five times greater than the rate for housed adults, according to the California Commission on Aging.

Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Awareness Month is recognized globally during the month of June. Throughout his tenure in the Legislature, Sen. Dodd has written multiple awareness month bills, mirroring national and international recognition of the problem.

“We wish to acknowledge and thank Sen. Dodd for authoring Senate Concurrent Resolution 153, and for his ongoing leadership and commitment to improving the lives of California's most vulnerable communities,” said Leza Coleman, legislative director for California Commission on Aging, a resolution supporter.  “This resolution reinforces the Legislature’s commitment to implementation of Gov. Newsom’s 2019 Executive Order calling for the development of a 10-year Master Plan for Aging by specifically addressing the current and growing crisis of abuse committed against our most vulnerable population.”

Sen. Bill Dodd represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Yolo, Sonoma, Solano, Sacramento and Contra Costa counties. More information on Senator Bill Dodd can be found at www.senate.ca.gov/dodd.