ARTICLE: Elder abuse, exploitation targeted by state

The Republican Newsroom December 06, 2007

SPRINGFIELD - The state's new secretary of elder affairs told senior citizens today that he is on a mission to expand efforts statewide to combat elder abuse and exploitation.

Michael E. Festa, who began in October as secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs, made stops at the Good Live Center in Springfield and the Ludlow Senior Center to meet with seniors and their advocates, hear their concerns and share his vision and priorities.

Festa, during the Springfield luncheon, said he will work to expand protective services for seniors who are victims and potential victims of neglect, abuse and financial exploitation.

Advocates and agencies who deal with the elderly "must be in tune to that and respond to that immediately," he said.

"I don't think we are doing enough to be proactive in reducing victimization in the first place," Festa said. "I worry about us not being proactive enough to ensure that seniors are well informed about the uses and misuses of legal instruments, about those who are trying to exploit financial services."

Festa said his job is to bolster the staff in protective services including lawyers and case workers, who can help seniors with information and assistance. Much of the victimization involves family members, he said.

As another priority, Festa said Gov. Deval L. Patrick and administration plan to shift more funds to community services and in-home care. In contrast, the state has spent $2 billion annually on nursing home care.

The state must expand in-home services and frail elder services and supportive housing, Festa said.

"This is the mission of government," Festa said. "Because that is where you want it, and that is where the dignity and the appropriateness of services ought to be delivered."

About 75 people attended the luncheon, some saying they were pleased to see attention paid to Western Massachusetts and their concerns. State Rep. Angelo J. Puppolo Jr., D-Springfield, City Council President Kateri B. Walsh and Springfield Elder Affairs Director Janet E. Denney were among the attendees.

Festa also said the expanding senior population and services needed is not cause for fear.

"I would tell you that is the wrong way to look at it," Festa said. "There are so many seniors, whether they are 85-year-olds or just coming into the senior community who want to be part of the community fabric who have so much more of life to offer."

There are senior citizens who are prepared and want to work in the elder programs and "we need to encourage that as a society," Festa said

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