New Law Protecting Seniors from Elder Abuse

First Selectman, James Marpe; State Senator Toni Boucher; Representative Gail Lavielle and Representative Jonathan Steinberg chatting before the meeting at the Westport Senior Center. Courtesy – Phyllis Groner

Legislators Update efforts at Capitol

Hartford, CT – This week Senator Toni Boucher (R-Wilton) joined fellow lawmakers at the Commission for Senior Services Annual Meeting in Westport. The meeting, an important one honored longtime Chair, Stan Nayer who stepped down and Mike Stashower who was newly elected to finish the term until November.

Several State Legislators including Representative Jonathan Steinberg, and Representative Gail Lavielle joined Boucher in speaking of their efforts to help pass legislation improving the lives of Seniors. The Elder Abuse law passed this year includes a change which makes emergency medical service providers mandated reporters of elderly abuse and expands training for employees who care for someone age 60 or older.

The law also gives those who are victimized a civil cause of action against perpetrators and requires financial agents to get training on elderly fraud, exploitation and financial abuse. The new law which goes into effect in October, also stops someone who is convicted of elder abuse from inheriting anything from a deceased victim.