This article from The Los Angeles Times discusses how lawmakers are now taking steps to fight against elder abuse.  One of the first steps needed is to launch a nationwide program of background checks for people that care for the elderly.

About 11% of people ages 60 and older suffer from some kind of abuse every year, according to a March study for the National Institute of Justice, an arm of the Justice Department. Other studies have shown that elderly victims of abuse, neglect and exploitation have twice the risk of dying within a year.

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