Pay attention to what the candidates for Missouri Attorney General tell us
Three candidates for Missouri Attorney General participated in a town hall in Springfield on May 21.
Andrew Bailey began serving as Attorney General in January 2023 following his appointment by Governor Parson. He comes across as a bellicose guy whose approach to problem solving involves a lot of struggle and victory.
As a lawyer representing Donald Trump, Will Scharf appears to be auditioning for a position in the Trump administration.
Elad Gross is a civil rights attorney who believes in small government and emphasizes enforcing existing laws rather than making government larger and more intrusive into people’s lives. Gross is the only candidate who has released comprehensive plans for the Attorney General’s Office.
Focusing on some of the town hall questions, Missouri voters worry about campaign finance, gun safety and elections.
As for campaign contributions, the wording of the question allowed Scharf to state that he would not accept money from lobbyists, but he avoided mentioning that his campaign accepts contributions from PACs. Bailey’s Freedom and Justice PAC has received large contributions from billionaire donors. Gross does not accept money from corporate PACs or lobbyists.
As for responsible gun safety measures, Bailey and Scharf chose to answer the question by proclaiming their support for the Second Amendment. Gross stated that the Attorney General’s office has the role of prosecuting those responsible for gun violence using existing laws and preventing violence before it happens.
Scharf and Bailey proclaimed that the 2020 presidential election was stolen. Bailey opined that elections in Iraq during his service were freer and fairer than those conducted by local election officials in this country. What an insult to local election officials! Gross responded to the question with a monosyllabic “no.”
Do the people of Missouri want an elected disinformation spreader as Attorney General?
Carol Elliott, Colombia
Empower older adults in the fight against elder abuse
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, celebrated on June 15, signifies our collective fight against elder abuse. Elder abuse is not just an individual problem; It is a community and social issue that reminds us to promote respect and dignity for older adults.
Elder abuse refers to intentional or negligent acts by a caregiver or trusted person that cause harm to an older adult. It can come in the form of physical, emotional, neglect and financial abuse; The latter is the most frequent and is easily executed through scams or frauds aimed at older adults. It is a critical public health problem that can cause significant physical and psychological harm to older adults. An important step toward preventing this abuse is to equip older adults and their caregivers with knowledge and resources to help prevent abuse.
The National Council on Aging estimates that approximately 5 million older adults experience abuse each year in the United States. This figure is both alarming and discouraging, considering that only one in 14 cases is said to be reported. Research results estimate that older victims of financial fraud lose approximately $30 billion annually.
For older adults, defending against this type of abuse begins with awareness. It is essential to identify potential fraud and scams, such as lottery scams, identity theft, or email phishing schemes. Seniors should be wary of unsolicited calls and emails, especially those requesting personal information, money transfers, or unusual payment methods such as gift cards, and any of these requests that are communicated with extreme urgency. Awareness programs about these fraud methods can significantly improve older adults’ ability to distinguish between genuine transactions and scams.
The use of technology can also help people safeguard their financial assets. Enabling bank alerts for large transactions, using apps with real-time tracking of account activity, and setting up direct deposits for checks can minimize potential abuse. Equally critical is safeguarding essential documents and regularly updating estate planning documents.
The role of strong social networks in helping to prevent elder abuse cannot be overstated. Staying connected to family, friends, and the community can deter potential abusers. However, social isolation has become a growing problem for many older adults, especially during the pandemic. It is crucial that all people throughout our lives leverage technology to maintain relationships and stay active within our communities, significantly reducing the risk of exploitation.
Additionally, older adults should also feel informed and supported in reporting any cases of possible abuse. Fear or shame can often deter people from reporting abuse. Support from the community, family, and authorities is key to reassuring older adults that they are not alone and that reporting is, in fact, a step toward prevention.
To report elder abuse, older adults or people concerned about them can contact the following resources:
- Adult Protective Services (KeynoteUSAS): KeynoteUSAS agencies serve as the primary agency responsible for receiving and investigating reports of elder abuse. You can locate your local KeynoteUSAS office through the National Association for Adult Protective Services website.
- Local Law Enforcement: In situations where an older adult is in immediate danger, it is vital to contact local authorities, such as the police or sheriff’s department.
- National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA): This is an information resource on elder abuse prevention. They can provide contacts and resources, including state reporting numbers, to help.
- Senior Care Locator: ElderCare Locator, a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging, connects you to services for older adults and their families. You can contact them at 1-800-677-1116.
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman: These are advocates for residents of nursing homes, nursing homes and nursing homes, assisted living facilities, etc. They can provide information about how to find a facility and services and what to do to get quality care and support.
It is important to know that one can remain anonymous when reporting abuse and that most of the agencies mentioned are equipped to provide help even when abuse has occurred in the past.
With a collaborative strategy in place, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield works closely with healthcare providers to detect early signs of elder abuse. We have made great strides in implementing caregiver education programs, because in many cases, caregivers are the first line of defense in recognizing indicators of abuse. We not only advocate for prevention, but we actively invest in providing solutions to help prevent elder abuse.
Our health plans are designed to support older adults by addressing social factors that can affect health, including social isolation, a major risk factor for elder abuse. Members of our community benefit from resources and support services beyond traditional health care services that our plans can provide, including, for example, access to nutritious meals, safe and stable housing, and transportation. We continue to partner with organizations, nonprofits, and government agencies, with the goal of creating a safer, more caring society where older adults are valued and included and their rights are protected.
Older adults are valued members of our society and it is important that we help ensure their safety and well-being. As we celebrate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, let us commit to not only raising awareness but also actively working towards prevention strategies. Providing older adults with essential knowledge and resources to help prevent abuse is an important first step in this direction. Every step taken to protect citizens from abuse is a step towards a more caring and compassionate society.
Eugene Hsu, MD, MBA, is a senior Medicare clinical officer for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Keynote USA
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