A backlog of elder abuse investigations has prompted concern that state agencies are not doing enough to protect Minnesota seniors.

Senate Republicans will hold a series of listening sessions focused on aging and long-term care issues across Minnesota in the coming weeks. The listening sessions, sponsored by Senator Karin Housley (R-St. Mary’s Point), chairwoman of the Senate Aging and Long-Term Care Policy Committee, are designed to be a venue for elderly and vulnerable Minnesotans, and their families, to share their stories.

“Unfortunately, we’ve heard many reports over the past several months of abuse and neglect toward our most vulnerable citizens, including the elderly, and these reports have fallen through the cracks because of an ineffective state bureaucracy,” said Senator Housley. “This is an opportunity for Minnesotans to have their voices heard – not only the elderly and vulnerable, but also their families. We’re here to let Minnesotans across the state know we hear them, we acknowledge their pain, and we want to move forward together.”

Stories of abuse and neglect at Minnesota senior care facilities were first uncovered last year and led to the discovery of a climate of intimidation, fear, and ineffectiveness within the state health department, among other troubling allegations.

The first town hall meeting will be held today in Brainerd. All sessions will be open to the public and press. The full schedule is as follows, and events will be updated as details are finalized:

Brainerd Listening Session
February 7, 4:30-6:30 PM
Central Lakes College Cafeteria
501 W. College Drive, Brainerd, MN

Moorhead Listening Session
February 9, 9:00-11:00 AM
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Room A119, Oscar Bergos Center
1900 28th Ave S., Moorhead, MN

Aging and Long-Term Care Policy Committee Hearing
February 12, 2:00-4:00 PM
Minnesota Senate Building Room 1100
95 University Ave. W., Saint Paul, MN

Aging and Long-Term Care Policy Committee Hearing
February 21, 8:30-10:00 AM
Minnesota Senate Building Room 1100
95 University Ave. W., Saint Paul, MN