Schumer: NY undercounts abuse of elderly

Posted at: 06/21/2012 10:24 AM | Updated at: 06/21/2012 10:36 AM
By: AP

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Sen. Charles Schumer says just one in 24 cases of elder abuse in New York are reported to police and other authorities, which he says is one of the nation's lowest rates.

Schumer on Wednesday said he supports newly proposed federal standards to report abuse and defrauding of the elderly nationwide. The proposal includes training Meals on Wheels and other volunteers and workers in frequent contact with the elderly to spot physical abuse and financial fraud.

In a Rochester event, Schumer said physical and financial harm done to elderly is on the rise.

The non-profit Lifespan of Greater Rochester Inc. reports that 260,000 New York seniors were abused in one year.